Cable Internet is a broadly categorized internet service that runs on the same network platform as cable television. Like DSL services, cable internet access facilitates network edge connectivity from the Internet Service Provider to an end-user.
Cable internet has a wider bandwidth compared to DSL, and unlike fiber, it’s already installed in most homes, which makes the cable service suitable and expedient for getting high-speed internet with minimal installation.
How Does Cable Internet Work?
Through Cable Internet, one can use the same analog cables traditionally used to deliver cable television. To enable a Cable internet connection, one should need to contact their local cable service provider and ask for the cable modem to utilize internet services on their computer/laptop device. Talking about its performance, the Cable internet is used for gaining access to the internet via a fast broadband connection. It can be up to 10 times faster than DSL and dial-up internet services.
Features of Cable Internet
- Cable internet provides wide-scope network edge connectivity to the user.
- Easy to use with no complications.
- In cable internet services, the downloading speed range anywhere from 1 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps, which is equivalent to 1 Gbps.
List of DSL Internet Providers
| Provider | User Rating | Max Download Speed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T | 3.0/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Buckeye Broadband | 2.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| CenturyLink | 2.5/5 | 24 Mbps | View Plans |
| Cox Communications | N/A | 75 Mbps | View Plans |
| DIRECTV | 2.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Dish | 2.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Fios by Verizon | N/A | 100 Mbps | View Plans |
| Frontier | N/A | 6 Mbps | View Plans |
| HughesNet | N/A | 25 Mbps | View Plans |
| MCTV | 2.5/5 | 10 Mbps | View Plans |
| Mediacom | N/A | 3 Mbps | View Plans |
| Optimum | N/A | 25 Mbps | View Plans |
| Shentel | N/A | 10 Mbps | View Plans |
| Sparklight | 2.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Spectrum | 2.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Suddenlink | NA | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Viasat | NA | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Verizon | NA | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| WOW! | 3.5/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
| Xfinity | 3/5 | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | View Plans |
Pros
Availability – Cable Internet is available in all 50 states, with coverage of 89% of the population.
Speed – Cable Internet provides a wide offering of speeds, including speeds much faster than DSL. Cable Internet speeds can reach as high as about 150 Mbps.
Cons
Customer Service – Cable companies get a bad rap for customer service. While some of the complaints are valid, many issues can be avoided by understanding how prices will change after the initial promotional period expires.
Price – Cable Internet services can get expensive after the promotional pricing period expires, especially if you have TV service too.