| High speed internet is a huge annual expense for | | | | In comparison, let's take a look at DSL access. DSL is |
| many American homes and businesses. Often costing | | | | available in most locations since it usually requires |
| upwards of $60 a month, it adds up quickly, and can | | | | telephone service. Remote locations that aren't |
| have a huge impact on the bottom line of your | | | | serviced by cable often have their high speed |
| budget. The question for many families and business | | | | internet needs met by DSL. The pricing is usually |
| owners has been "what are my other options?" This | | | | similar, if not a bit cheaper than cable. The speed |
| question is especially valid when the history of high | | | | usually runs a bit slower than its cable counterparts, |
| speed internet access is put into perspective. For | | | | and can sometimes be subjected to "line noise," |
| years, cable and DSL were the only option. Now, as | | | | particularly in older neighborhoods where phone lines |
| satellite internet has lowered in cost, a reasonable | | | | are somewhat dated. Again, similar to cable, very |
| third option exists, and forces many consumers to | | | | rural neighborhoods may not have access to DSL at |
| reexamine the issue. | | | | all due to the ages of the phone lines in the area. |
| First, let's examine cable internet. Cable has been a | | | | Finally, in comparison to the former two, we have |
| mainstay of the high speed internet business for the | | | | satellite internet, a relatively new entrant to the |
| better part of 15 years, and its readily available in | | | | residential market. Although satellite broadband |
| many urban and suburban communities around the | | | | internet has been available for years, the cost has |
| country. Its availability and easy "add-on" potential | | | | come down recently. The technology to run satellite |
| with television services make it a popular choice for | | | | internet has become easier to install, and companies |
| homes and businesses. Among the advantages | | | | that offer the service now compete - something |
| offered by cable are speed and "always-on" | | | | that's a boon for consumers. As it becomes more |
| functionality. Combined billing might also be an | | | | popular, its also forcing prices down for other |
| advantage for some households. As for | | | | high-speed internet providers. Satellite internet is one |
| disadvantages - most consumers tend to experience | | | | of the most widely available internet services, |
| these further down the line. Prices are frequently | | | | requiring only a clear view of the southern sky to |
| raised after a 3 or 6 month introductory period to | | | | work. The dish is similar to a satellite TV dish, and |
| sometimes astonishing levels. In addition, customers | | | | can simply be mounted on a roof. Regardless of |
| may find it more difficult to discontinue their cable | | | | where you live, satellite internet is a fast, reliable |
| service later on. Doing so will also adversely raise the | | | | option that has gained increasing popularity |
| price of the cable internet access. | | | | nationwide. |