Author Topic: DSL vs. Cable (Read 277 times)

CptHowdy · « **on:** July 25, 2005, 07:22:11 AM »

I live in the Atlanta area and currently use Bellsouth DSL. I have been considering switching to Comcast broadband in hopes of having faster connections. Bellsouth has been fairly stable but I can't upgrade to the DSL "extreme" due to the neighborhood I live in. Bellsouth said at least a year out from our area.

So my question is: Has anyone switched from DSL to cable and been happier with their speeds? Or unhappy?

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2005, 12:39:32 PM »

You are going to find both. Best bet is to find someone local that uses cable for their internet and ask them. Your experience will vary.

Clifra Jones · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2005, 02:18:33 PM »

To take what Star said one step further, ask some one on your street if you can find one. Hopefully someone who is a high bandwidth user. If your infrastructer in your area is poor quality you will have problems. The cable companies are not motivated to fix these problems as most people don't notice them. It's just guys like us that do.

Does ComCast offer 3mb cable in your area? Remember the clause in the terms of service "speeds may vary" which means they do not guarantee you will get a full 3mb.

TDeacon · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2005, 12:20:24 AM »

I switched from DSL to cable, and was happy. However, this is not necessarily due to factors inherent to the 2 technologies.

My Earthlink northern Illinois DSL was using garbage SBC twisted pair copper wiring, and was at the maximum allowed distance from the C.O. Also, there was a hierarchy of 3 different companies responsible for the service, so it was difficult to get quick resolutions of issues (they tended to blame each other). I was getting speeds barely above dial-up at the end.

My new Comcast cable modem service gives 4Mbps (more than the internet can handle), and has been beautiful. Only one company involved. However, I've heard that cable modem performance can be a function of number of users in the area, so perhaps my area infrastructure has relatively few users.

AmRaaM · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2005, 10:27:00 PM »

area dependent, many users will dog out cable badly.
havent noticed my home dsl rates changing one iota no matter what day or time i use it.

Plus read the fine print in the cable contract, they really do mean it. rates will vary!

Plus most cable coverage will have only one supervisor per zone with the necessary testing equipement to properly diagnose problems and they are in heavy demand and slooow in coming.

newer middle-upper scale surburbia housing will have alot of cable subscribers (bad), but also newer phone cabling(good for dsl).