DSL internet, or digital subscriber line, uses existing telephone wiring to transmit data. Find out more about how it compares to cable and fiber optic internet.
And while it's not the same cumbersome dial-up connection of yesteryear—it's used by less than one percent of U.S. households, generally in very rural areas, since it only requires phone lines, which are widely available where other technologies may not yet be. You can get Wi-Fi with DSL, but you’ll need to set up a Wi-Fi network by connecting to a wireless router. Fiber broadband, or fiber internet, uses fiber-optic technology to transmit informati ...
Slower than cable internet service historically, DSL speed is increasing as technology improves and network infrastructure upgrades.
With cable installed, you can achieve more than sufficient speeds for most purposes. Users will likely get internet speeds from 50 Mbps up to 1000 Mbps depending on their budget. An average household needs around 50 Mbps to 200 Mbps, meaning cable connections work well for most homes. It's widely available. Because it uses coaxial cables, most homes have already set up the necessary equipment. Even urban areas possess the necessary i ...
Broadband is high-speed internet service — usually defined as 25Mbps or faster — sent through cable, DSL, fiber, or satellite connections.
Best Speeds · Best speed ratings according to our Customer Satisfaction Survey · Data caps · Speeds: 150–1,200 Mbps · Prices: $30.00–$80.00/mo. View Plans ; Most Flexible · No contracts or data caps · Price hikes · Speeds: 50–1,000 Mbps · Prices: $25–$70/mo. *† for 12 mos. View Plans
DSL · 3 Mbps–115 Mbps · About $20–$70/mo. Prices locked for 1–2 yrs. View DSL Providers ; Cable · 10 Mbps–1,200 Mbps · About $20–$125/mo. Prices go up after 6–12 mos. View Cable Providers
DSL (or Digital Subscriber Line) ; A broadband connection allows you to play many popular computer games that rely on a fast internet connection. ; It works on existing phone wiring rather than requiring new wiring
CenturyLink · Check availability · Price range · $55 per month · Speed range · 10 - 140Mbps · Connection · DSL · Key Info · Unlimited data, no contracts ; Cox Communications · Check availability · Price range · $50 - $110 per month · Speed range · 100 - 2,000Mbps · Connection · Mostly cable, some fiber · Key Info · 1.25TB monthly data allowance, lots of plan options, unique gaming add-on
Entertainment · Internet ; Though it took longer than anticipated, fifth-generation wireless technology — more commonly called 5G — is now available throughout the U.S., as are devices designed to take advantage of the faster mobile broadband option. With the rise of 5G networks came a new type of service from a number of providers, including Verizon and T-Mobile: 5G home internet. Not all 5G networks are the same ; It depends on how you plan to use the internet ; Reviews from users are ve...