Broadband is the name given to high speed Internet connection, which is becoming the preferred way to surf the Web. Dial-Up is quickly becoming a thing of the past, but as more and more people look towards broadband technology to improve their Internet experiences, the question of what service to get pops of often. For that reason, it’s important to know just what your broadband options are, so that you can make an informed decision on how to assimilate high-speed Internet access into your home and your life. There are three major broadband options currently available: Cable, DSL, and Satellite. In addition to these, there are some future broadband options that are soon to emerge, and they’re worth keeping your eye on.

Let’s start by talking about cable, which is used by more people than any of the other broadband options that are currently available. This is because, for the most part, cable is cheaper, faster, and more reliable than the other services that are available. After all, it is much cheaper to hook up a cable to your computer than to rely on expensive satellite networks or any wireless equipment. There are some problems with Cable, though. Since you have to share a bandwidth with your neighbors, if the company you choose fails to keep up the bandwidth in your area, the speed of your Internet is likely to fall.

Earthlink is one of the most popular providers of cable broadband. For only $41.95 a month, you’ll have fast Internet access throughout your home, and Earthlink does not have any set up or equipment fees. You only have to play for the service you receive. Another major cable Broadband competitor is Cablevision. While it has a slightly cheaper monthly rate, you are responsible for paying for the modem, which costs about $129.95. This service claims to be faster than Earthlink, but that all depends on the bandwidth available, as Earthlink tends to have more.

DSL is quickly growing in popularity and is the closest rival to cable connections these days. By choosing a company that offers DSL, you won’t have to share bandwidth with your neighbors. That means that your Internet speed will remain constant. If you are a business owner, DSL companies tend to have more options for you, whereas other services cater more towards the home. Many DSL companies have gone out of business, however, so make sure you find a reputable one that will preferably offer free installation, since installing DSL on your own is difficult.

Earthlink, the same company that offers cable broadband, also offers DSL in over 90 markets nationwide. It costs $49.95 a month, and once again offers no extra fees for setup or equipment. With a decent download and upload speed, it stands up to its competitors in price and quality. Another major DSL competitor is MSN Broadband, which is cheaper per month by ten dollars. However, there is a one-time fee of $99 for activation. A “Gold” plan is also offered that costs the same as Earthlink and offers an even faster connection. The activation fee still applies.

Finally, we reach the third option that’s widely available: Satellite. This doesn’t have nearly as many subscribers as cable or DSL, though it hasn’t been available as long. The great thing about getting a satellite connection is that it is offered everywhere, so if you live in an area that cable or DSL isn’t offered in, you can still have fast Internet access with a satellite provider. Also, if you already have satellite television, you should check with your provider to see if they offer Internet access as well. More often than not, you can get a great offer by purchasing both services from the same company. The satellite option offers excellent service, but it the most expensive option of the major three. Your service can also be affected by the weather, just like your satellite television.

As usual, Earthlink offers satellite broadband service for only $69.95 per month. The hardware to get everything going is very pricey, costing $399. You’re also going to have to pay for installation and a modem. After all these costs are added together, the whole system starts to get pretty expensive. However, if you’re willing to shell out the cash for it, you’ll get some of the fastest speeds available from any broadband option today.

Now that you’ve gotten a taste for the three major broadband options, let’s goes over the emerging options that are slowly becoming available, just so you can get a taste of the future of broadband. The first is power line broadband, which uses electric utility lines to transfer data. This technology is still in the testing phases, but companies in Cincinnati and Manassas, Va are offering broadband services such as this, while North Carolina and Washington, D.C. are testing the technology. This broadband option brings Internet access straight into people’s home through their wall sockets. All you’ll have to do is plug in and start surfing. Some companies can’t get past power transformers, though, and offer the service through a wireless modem.

Many phone companies have started offering their own broadband wireless service only a couple years ago. They’re now starting to become very popular, though they tend to cost more than DSL or cable options. While this may not appeal to homes, people on the go will be the most likely to take advantage of the service.

So there you have it, all the broadband options available to you today. If you’re looking for faster Internet service and quicker downloads, look into getting set up with one of the options discussed here. This is especially true if you’re still dealing with dial-up. Cable and DSL are most certainly the way most people will want to go today, though satellite coverage has an appeal to many people, especially to those households and businesses that operate outside of DSL or cable company’s areas. So choose the option that’s right for you, and start enjoying faster Internet access.

By: Jawahn Thompson