| With the invention of the Internet and fiber optics, | | | | companies give deep discounts if services are |
| our globe has hurtled into the information age, and | | | | bundled into an economical monthly package. The |
| cable and Internet have been a vital part of | | | | larger cable companies also have added phone |
| information transport. Most companies that offer | | | | service secondary to the Internet service, using a |
| cable service also offer Internet service in the form | | | | dual modem. The best discounts are gained with |
| of a broadband connection. Most homes in the U.S. | | | | subscriptions to all three services. |
| have access to either or both, and for many, these | | | | The greatest advantage to the Internet phone |
| services are very affordable. | | | | service offered by cable companies is one flat rate |
| Although there are alternative ways to send and | | | | for everything: long-distance, voice mail, call waiting, |
| receive data and other information, such as satellite | | | | forwarding, and more. The disadvantage is that, |
| and DSL connections, those offered by cable and | | | | should your home or workplace lose power, the |
| Internet services seem to be the most reliable. The | | | | modem battery can only last a few hours. It is best |
| choice is a personal one. Some do not want to have | | | | to have backup phone options, such as a cell, or land |
| a satellite dish on their property, and claim high winds | | | | line with very basic service. However, there are |
| and bad weather affect reception, while others feel | | | | almost no problems in service or quality of the |
| they have more choices through satellite connections, | | | | Internet voice over phone systems. |
| and that cable company fees are too high. DSL | | | | Check locally to find the best bundled service |
| Internet service is somewhat slower than broadband | | | | discounts, and make sure to see when or if these |
| service, but satellite and DSL connections may be the | | | | service discounts expire. If a requested discount |
| only options in certain parts of the country where | | | | should expire in 12 months, for example, place a |
| cable has not yet been laid. | | | | reminder on your personal calendar 30 days prior to |
| More and more cable companies are offering a | | | | the expiration, or check every few months with the |
| dedicated line for Internet service, which means less | | | | service provider. In this way, smooth and affordable |
| traffic and higher upload and download speeds. Many | | | | cable and Internet service will be enjoyed nonstop. |