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It is nearly inconceivable that, for the past 10 years, consumers still only have two real, practical choices for their broadband Internet service. The two that have been battling it out for supremacy for a decade look to continue the battle, with ardent supporters on each side refusing to waiver. In the one corner, there is cable Internet service. In the other, there is DSL (Digital Subscriber Line). Each type of service possesses its own unique set of positives and negatives, but it may be useful for those considering broadband Internet service to see the two main types placed head-to-head.

Service Access

The major drawback to DSL service is that it is severely constrained by the technology that delivers it. DSL “piggybacks” through existing telephone cables and lines. This can present serious setbacks for customers in older, urban neighborhoods, or in remote rural areas that do not have updated telephone networks. DSL suffers from an inability by phone companies to sink dollars and manpower into updating their network of phone lines.

One of the reasons for this hesitancy is that, even with an updated infrastructure, there is only a finite amount of room for eventual upgrades. With cable Internet service, availability is much better in urban and suburban neighborhoods, and there have been sweeping improvements in rural areas as well.

Service Expense, Initial and Monthly

Price is DSL’s major selling point. The service, if it is available to you in your area, can be had for half the price of cable broadband Internet. In addition, phone companies typically offer the DSL modem and software for free, so there are few, if any, initial set up costs. Per month, DSL will run you about $20 to $30 a month.

Cable broadband Internet is an entirely different matter. You will have to pay for a cable modem. You will often have to pay an initiation fee upon signup. In most cases, the cable company will send out a technician to install and set up your service. This will lead to your cable company charging you an installation fee on top of everything. Then, every month, cable Internet will cost you between $40 and $70 a month.

Service Data Transfer Speeds

This is the chief benefit to cable broadband Internet. Its data transfer speeds and available bandwidth cannot be beaten by any current technology. DSL does not even come close. Cable Internet service offers speeds beyond 12 megabits (Mbps) per second, with considerable room for faster speeds coming down the line. The very top (and the most expensive) tier of DSL broadband Internet service hits a ceiling at eight or nine Mbps.

Service Reliability

This is a tough metric to call, since it depends largely on your definition of “reliable.” DSL can generally be considered more reliable in the sense that the service never slows down during periods of peak use. It is also less prone to system-wide technical glitches and outages. Cable Internet, on the other hand, is more reliable in the sense that service does not drop off with distance from the site of transmission. It depends mostly upon your personal situation as to which best suits your situation for reliability.

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