DSL connection and Cable Modem basically provide the same Mbps speeds. However DSL may become slower the farther you live from the provider’s central office. Cable speed usually depends on Web traffic.
How does DSL and Cable compare with availability and reliability?
They are both reliable and have great performance usually. DSL and Cable are not available in all areas but Cable is available to anyone who can receive cable television which may have an advantage over DSL.
Which has the better price?
DSL is a little more expensive than cable. Cable wins when it comes to the price. Based on installation and monthly service fees, cable is usually a better bet if price is an issue.
Something to help you decide if you should go with Cable or DSL are if you live in an area where both cable and DSL are offered then you may get a better deal on your broadband service. Cable and DSL providers usually provide discounts on bundles packages.
What about Security?
They usually need to purchase antivirus software and a firewall for either internet connection.
Who has better Customer Service and Popularity?
From About.com they find DSL has higher customer survey ratings than cable services. About.com also states cable internet enjoys has greater popularity than DSL in the U.S. DSL dominates the nations outside the U.S.
Who has the better installation process?
DSL has had several horror stories in the past. But now they haven’t definitely stepped up to the plate with self installation. Cable does let you self-install but most people do not know and get stuck with Cable companies installing their internet.
Julie Marshall said,
September 26, 2008 @ 7:56 am
Khristian, I used to have DLS before I moved into my home 15 months ago. I was living in an apartment in Midlothian at the time. After I decided to buy this house, I found that DLS was not available in this area. I never had a problem with DSL and I was heartbroken that I could not have it hear. Comcast was offering the Three-in-One plan at $99 per month. I decided to go with Comcast and I signed a two year contract which doesn’t end until this coming April. I really haven’t had any problems with Comcast either. I had to have Comcast install my Internet service because they were installing the phone system as well. DSL is now offered where I live. I will need to decide if I will stay with Comcast or go to DSL when my contract is up. I guess one of the deciding factors will be how much my cable three-in-one package will go up at the end of my contract. I look for it to be substantially more costly.
kenk124 said,
September 27, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
I didn’t know cable had as much of an advantage over DSL. I have FIOS, and am curious of the differences between DSL and FIOS, what advantages or disadvantages there is between the two. I’ve had both cable and FIOS, and hands down FIOS is a much better picture as the network is capable of carrying a much larger signal than cable, but I’m curious how DSL stacks up.