There are several options that will offer high-speed Internet access that will allow you to speed up your download process. Those options are Cable modems, DSL, Fixed Wireless, and Satellite. There are differences in the choices including price and performance. Below is an explanation of the different choices and links to some sites that offer them.
Cable modems provide high speed Internet access through a cable television network at more than 1 million bits per second (mbps) which is at least 20 times as fast as a traditional telephone modem. Most cable services are asymmetric, meaning that the download speed is faster than the upload speed. Upload speeds are often in the range of 128 to 384 Kbps. The cable modem is "always on" meaning that there is no need to dial in to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). You simply click on your browser and you are connected to the Internet with no waiting. Cable modem service is typically priced from $30 to $50 per month for a package that includes rental of the cable modem, unlimited Internet access, and Internet software, such as a Web browser and e-mail applications. Installation is usually priced from $50 to $150 to cover cable wiring, the insertion of an Ethernet card in your computer, and software configuration. Cable modems are available for anyone who would like to purchase their own. The typical price range of a cable modem is from $120 to $200 and is manufactured by more than 20 companies including 3Com, Cisco Systems, Motorola, Philips, Samsung and Sony.
Cable Links: COX, Road Runner
Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) provides high speed Internet access through your existing phone line at a range of 256Kbps to a fast 1.5Mbps. And because DSL Internet service sends data and voice over the same line, you can talk on the phone while you connect. DSL is the only broadband option with universal multiple speed/pricing schemes, each with its own bandwidth. DSL providers typically charge $50 per month for 1.5Mbps service there is also a charge from $100 to $300 for a DSL modem and sometimes $200 or more for installation and activation. Sellers often offer promotions, though, giving away the hardware and waiving activation and installation charges. Unless you are within about three miles of the telephone company's switching center, usually called the central office, you can't get DSL.
DSL Links: DirecTv, EarthLink, Verizon, SBC
Fixed Wireless provides high speed Internet access by transmission towers connected directly to the Internet, which transmits data to and from your PC by a small rooftop antenna. Sprint Broadband Direct leads the fixed wireless market, which is available only in limited areas. Those who do live within reach of a transmission tower get download speeds on average of 1 to 2 Mbps and upload speed of 256Kbps. Fixed Wireless providers typically charge $50 per month for service but between $99 and $299 for the modem and the 13-inch-square transceiver mounted on your roof.
Fixed Wireless: Sprint
Satellite provides high speed Internet access by a satellite dish that connects to your PC via a modem and coaxial cable. Satellite has an "always on" connection and you can get it nearly everywhere as long as you have a clear view of the southern sky. The two leaders of the Satellite market are DirecPC and StarBand. DirecPC boasts 400Kbps downloads and 128Kbps uploads; while DirecPC says it delivers 500Kbps downloads and 40-60Kbps uploads. Those speeds are eight or nine times faster than a traditional modem. Satellite providers typically charge between $400 and $500 for the dish, another $200 for installation and between $60 and $70 for the Internet access.
Satellite Links: DirecPC, StarBand
DSL is a good choice if you are close to the phone company's central office, if your phone lines are up to specifications, and you need a reliable high-speed connection. Though it is not yet as widely available as cable modem service, DSL is often a viable alternative and may sometimes even be preferable to cable modem. The main disadvantage of cable is that the speed of the system is dependent on the number of people who are online at the same time. Cable modem performance can undergo significant fluctuations; at its best, it's one of the fastest of all consumer-level broadband services, but at its worst, it's almost as slow as dialup service. Bad weather, local interference, or a misaligned dish can degrade the performance of a satellite broadband connection. However, the equipment is often discounted or free, and you can get satellite service almost anywhere. Satellite isn't as fast or reliable as DSL or cable, but if it's your only choice, it's definitely better than dialup. Currently, fixed wireless broadband service is very limited; however, the service areas are expanding quickly. The connection speed is not limited by your distance from the wireless antenna or by the number of wireless users in your area and the speed is comparable to ADSL, which makes it an excellent choice if you can get it.
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