DSL vs. Cable: Availability
One cannot use an internet service if one does not have access to it. Thus availability is a hugely important factor in the battle of DSL vs. cable. Here, cable has a definite edge. DSL's range is limited, as service cannot be extended more than 3 or so miles from its source. However, many of the areas outside the range of DSL are also not served by cable. If you have access to both DSL and cable, this category does not really affect your decision either way.
DSL vs. Cable
So which should I choose in DSL vs. cable? There's a lot you can learn about DSL vs. Cable. As tends to be the case with these things, it depends on your situation. If you live in a busy internet neighborhood, or just down the street from the phone company, DSL can be faster. But if a DSL install goes wrong, you're without a phone for the week. No one trait is generally any better than the other in either service. Check out high speed internet reviews, or high speed internet buying guides for the providers in your area, then make the call.
DSL vs. Cable: Price
Another high priority for home internet users in the battle is cost. In terms of DSL vs. cable modem, this one is really a toss-up. DSL internet packages generally cost around $40. Though rates get difficult to calculate with all the package plans being offered, cable internet service costs around $40 as well. However, if you do not already pay for an existing phone line, you will need to do that before you can get DSL, incurring a hefty additional monthly charge.
DSL vs. Cable: Installation
Installing anything can be a hassle. In the DSL vs. Cable battle, this one seems at first likes another toss-up. A blown DSL installation can interfere with the phone service. Cable internet requires that a new cable outlet be installed. Though now each service offers self-install kits of similar price, DSL tends to be much easier to install. Still, a significant difference between the two is not readily noticeable.
DSL vs. Cable
There's a lot you can learn about DSL vs. Cable. At the dawn of home user broadband, cable and DSL immediately distanced themselves from other options, such as wireless satellite signals. Since then, DSL vs. cable has been the dispute at the forefront of the broadband world. Currently, about 65% of broadband internet users are on cable. DSL is second with 35%. They offer many of the same services at a comparable price point. The tips below compare the two point by point.
DSL vs. Cable: Speed
Most internet users consider speed to be their foremost priority. In terms of DSL vs. cable, cable internet definitely starts to pull ahead. As TV signals carry far more data than phone signals, cable has naturally higher theoretical bandwidths. Cable does tend to lose performance far more rapidly under heavy usage, though, and DSL can provide better speeds in cable modem vs. DSL tests in highly populated areas. Thus, there is generally a limited difference in speed between the two.
