DSL vs Broadband

JG24 · #1 09/04/2006, 03:50 PM

Just wondering if anyone has experienced both? I am thinking Qwest vs Comcast.

I currently have comcast and have for many years. However, I am curious about Qwest's new bundle pricing. (Phone, DSL, and Direct TV)

I also currently have Direct TV. But, if I can save some $ by doing the bundle.

wav3form · #2 09/04/2006, 03:52 PM

If you're just web surfing, checking email, etc., DSL is ok. Otherwise stick with cable. I've had both and did not like DSL at all. It was slow relative to cable, more difficult to set up and too expensive in comparison.

JG24 · #3 09/04/2006, 04:10 PM

Thanks wav3form.

Criminal#58369 · #4 09/04/2006, 04:20 PM

My vote "Comcast" i never turned back, i had Verizon it sucked, kept getting disconnected, i had AOL shall i say a long time ago.

Comcast is always on, turn the computer on and BAM! instant access to the internet.

In my area they have a special, get Digital Cable, High Speed Internet, And Comcast Digital Voice (VOIP) for $33 each when you combine them, im still thinking about geting the Digital Voice (VOIP)

beerguy · #5 09/04/2006, 04:23 PM

It all depends on the speed of the service. DSL could mean anything from 128K to 10m

wav3form · #6 09/04/2006, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beerguy
It all depends on the speed of the service. DSL could mean anything from 128K to 10m

I assume we're talking about a standard residential service here which would more typically be from 768k - 3Mbps. Then you have to factor in your distance to the central office, if you need to start up a phone service which is another 30-40 dollars a month on top of the DSL charge, the hassle of running a pppoe, etc. There's more to it than just the speed. Oh and not to mention, dealing with Verizon customer service is a nightmare.

TheBimbo · #7 09/04/2006, 07:52 PM

Got the cable, and we love it... My son does the X-Box live, and he loves it as well...

Christy...

fat-tony · #8 09/04/2006, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wav3form
I assume we're talking about a standard residential service here which would more typically be from 768k - 3Mbps. Then you have to factor in your distance to the central office, if you need to start up a phone service which is another 30-40 dollars a month on top of the DSL charge, the hassle of running a pppoe, etc. There's more to it than just the speed. Oh and not to mention, dealing with Verizon customer service is a nightmare.

don't need phone service anymore for DSL. It's called a Dry-loop setup. They install a dead-line (recording that says this is a dedicated data line by which phone calls can't be made or received) Depending on the provider that's even free. Once that's done, they turn the service on and you have DSL with no phone service.

Also you can do some homework to get around the problem of PPOE. Some services have it built into their DSL modem. Others have software required to do the PPOE as stated. If that's the case, buy a simple router (linksys, d-link, netgear) and you can have the PPPOE in the router so the software isn't needed freeing up resources on the computer.

Also you can check online for local services that may resell the service from the bigger provider. If that's the case, you deal with the small company with better support usually and they have the headache of dealing with companies like verizon.

J4Life · #9 09/04/2006, 10:31 PM

Well the title is a bit misunderstood. It should have said DSL vs. Cable. Both are considered broadband and both have their good and the bad. Personally cable is a better fit for most if you live in and area that offers it because the speeds are much higher than DSL. However if you have the need for a dedicated IP then it gets a little bit trickier in pricing and trying to figure out who is better. For the most part I have good service with Time Warner and I like the ability to just make a call and my service is either upgraded or downgraded as I need it.

Bottom line is I either one is far better than dial-up even if you're just using the lite services.

HTH's,
Bill

saltyreefer88 · #10 09/04/2006, 11:33 PM

i live next to the dsl station lol i have no problem i kick the crap outta comcast

Q-ball · #11 09/05/2006, 09:29 AM

I've got 3mbps DSL through Embarq (Sprint) and love it. No PPPOE necessary, it logs me on automatically, I think from the MAC address of my modem. Cable isn't an option where I live.

VoidRaven · #12 09/05/2006, 09:58 AM

I have had both Cable and DSL. The DSL has been MUCH more reliable where I live and is just as fast as my Cable was. Dropped the cable and went DSL for the cost savings. I think I only have 1 or 1.5 mb service currently but if I want to go to 3mb service it's a mere $5 a month more and I can switch at any time without affecting my service contract.

oz · #13 09/05/2006, 11:26 AM

IME, DSL is generally slower than what you could get with Cable.
Both are considered "broadband", IMO. I think you have to compare price and the bandwidth you could get from DSL and Cable.

I have Verizon FIOS (fiber optics) and couldn't be any happier.

downset · #14 09/05/2006, 11:31 AM

I work at bellsouth and our dsl is priced pretty competively
dsl lite 256 k 24.95
dsl ultra 1.5 m 32.95
dsl extreme 3 m 37.95
Dsl extreme 6 m 42.95

and I have cable because only ultra is available where I live

And Dsl 6.0 is faster then comcast in my area and its the same price

zenguitar · #15 09/05/2006, 12:48 PM

Just compare prices and get the fastest one. In my area Comcast is the fastest unless you pay more for a higher DSL bandwidth which then goes way above Comcast.

Q-ball · #16 09/05/2006, 02:19 PM

If they're close in price & speed, I'd recommend going with DSL. DSL is a dedicated service, not shared amongst other users in your area like Cable is. If there's a ton of people downloading music (or whatever) that are on your share of the cable network, you will see slower speeds. You don't see that with DSL.

Cutiewitbooty · #17 09/05/2006, 02:59 PM

I had sprint's DSL and it was really fast, now i switched to Time Warner/Comcast (they are merging or something like that here) cable modem and it's alot slower. Not sure why though.

fat-tony · #18 09/05/2006, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cutiewitbooty
I had sprint's DSL and it was really fast, now i switched to Time Warner/Comcast (they are merging or something like that here) cable modem and it's alot slower. Not sure why though.

probably the result of a bunch of porn addicts on your network or kids leaving ares/kazaa/files sharing programs open and killing your bandwidth

HouseDJSTL · #19 09/05/2006, 08:31 PM

I'd stick w/ cable. I work for Charter Communications and cable interent just keeps getting faster. We have now 10mbps, and it'll just go up from there....

Wilafur · #20 09/06/2006, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Q-ball
If they're close in price & speed, I'd recommend going with DSL. DSL is a dedicated service, not shared amongst other users in your area like Cable is.

imo, that is the main difference between the 2 options. dsl is a non-shared line whereas cable is shared. more users = slower speeds.

Cutiewitbooty · #21 09/08/2006, 05:42 PM

that must be why my cable is slower than my DSL was

stereomandan · #22 09/08/2006, 09:38 PM

I have basic sbc yahoo dsl and love it. Faster than my basic Charter Cable high speed internet was. It's been more reliable than Charter also.

Charter $35/month
SBC Yahoo $15/mo for first year, $30/mo after, I think.

Dan

TheBimbo · #23 09/11/2006, 07:46 AM

Hubby just bumped our cable up yesterday!!!

He was calling about their "special" on phone service, but it was only for new customers...

Not sure how they talked him into faster internet though!!!

Christy

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