Getting Connected with Boardband Cable or DSL Internet Service in Florida

Currently the internet service market is being reshaped by the major telecoms (SBC, BellSouth, Verizon, etc.) and cable companies (Comcast, MediaOne, Cablevision, etc.). Each one is competing for the consumer dollar and attempting to offer value added services so that the user becomes 'hooked' on their product. This is not to say that many consumers are not faced with only a single choice for their broaddband internet service.

The major difference between cable internet and DSL internet lies in the delivery method. Cable has proven to be a bit more reliable deliver system, less prone to be affected by weather or other elemental concerns. DSL on the other hand is more economical since it usually provided by a government regulated industry.

Having lived in two large Florida cities and subscribed two both services here's the straight scoop on both. DSL appears to be more available in and easier to subscribe to than cable broadband. The functionality is limit as DSL is straight data without additional content. Cable usually provides a basic TV channel package with subscription. Both can be split to provide for multiple computer connects with network hardware. Speeds for DSL vary from slow (100 MBps) to fast (500 MBps) for downloads. Uploads are limited to around 256 KBps. Cable has a similar limit for 'one way' service where the upload speed is 256 KBps. The download speed is about 400 MBps. If an area is fortunate, 'two service' will provide roughly the same speed of 400 MBps upload and download.

Cost will run between $29.00 USD per month for basic DSL service to upwards of $60.00 USD per month for high speed. Cable can be as expensive as the high speed DSL or more depending on the additional TV channels added. The hardware cost is about the same, except the cable modem is usually on lease rather than owned by the consumer. This will run $50.00 to $75.00 on average. Some carriers for both DSL and cable have quarterly incentives to gain new subscribers. Be aware that once the subscription plan is active, penalty fees usually apply for breaking the contract including repayment of rebates offered or other discounts.

Most metro areas offer both kinds of service. Some only have one based on the cable system. Cable systems have been less enthusiastic about bringing new coaxial cable into older or less desirable neighborhoods. Telecoms are not so picky.