Internet access

USFSDTAlum · #1 11-11-2003, 12:09 PM

There was a thread within the last month regarding DSL vs. Cable Internet, and I searched and searched and could not find it to save my life.
Could someone please tell me how to find out if in a particular area DSL is better then cable. I am moving to outside Baltimore in two weeks and cable internet is $45 a month through Comcast (Who I hate) and DSL is through Verizon who only yesterday I signed up for Local and LD and their DSL is $30 a month!
Someone had said something about them (DSL and Cable) being comparable as long as you were located near the something or other. What is that, and how do I find out my proximity to that. Any advice would be very helpful, I want the quickest possible, but Comcast is entirely too expensive in my opinion for a crappy product. I have it at my parents house now, and I'm just not impressed compared to road runner at school. And to find out what my parents pay for it, Highway robbery!

jonsagara · #2 11-11-2003, 02:51 PM

Just call up Verizon and ask them to do a line test. I forget what the exact number is, but I think you have to be within ~2 miles of the switching station in order to have DSL.

AlphaSigOU · #3 11-11-2003, 03:05 PM

It's within three miles of a central office switch that determines whether DSL is available in your area.

USFSDTAlum · #4 11-11-2003, 03:53 PM

I entered my phone number and they said I am elgible for DSL. SO the consensus is that if you elgible for it, it is just as good as cable internet?

jonsagara · #5 11-11-2003, 03:55 PM

In my experience, DSL has been slightly better than Cable, but experiences vary widely. I'd say go for it.

kddani · #6 11-11-2003, 04:02 PM

My Verizon DSL has been wonderful in the year and a half that i've had it. I actually had my first problem with it last week, but I called tech support and they very patiently helped me fix it (had to uninstall and reinstall some stuff). And in my area, it's only $35 a month! Speed is great, it's easy to use.

bethany1982 · #7 11-11-2003, 04:03 PM

I think this is a Pepsi/Coke type question. You'll find people on both sides. I like my DSL. I have a friend with cable who is always complaining about it. I'm sure everyone has stories. Can you find better things to do with the $15?

John · #8 11-12-2003, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by USFstudent
Could someone please tell me how to find out if in a particular area DSL is better then cable.

You might find http://www.broadbandreports.com/allreviews to be useful. Just enter your zipcode and you'll get broadband reviews for that area and also for areas nearby.