Getting a new ISP

[Mas2248]

I've been stuck using 56k AOL for the past...oh gosh....5 years. It's terrible, don't ask why I've had it, but I'd like to switch to either a DSL or a Cable connection. I've been considering cable, but I don't know much about the different providers or even what I'd need. (In fact, I barely know anything about computers at all).

I was just wondering if any of you had advice on which providers (or just in general) are the most efficient for a not-too-expensive cable or DSL connection.

[doctorgonzo]

www.dslreports.com

[Confused]

You don't indicate your location, so it's kinda hard to give specific information. Generally with cable it is provided by local cable franchise if it is available and cost will be it the $35.00 to $50.00 range. Your location would help. For instance some areas of USA are served by neither. Satellite would be your only option.
Chas

[Mas2248]

Hey,

Sorry about that, I completely neglected to indicate my location. I'm in Richmond, Virginia. I'm pretty sure the cable provider around here is AT&T. I don't know how much any of you can tell me unless you lived nearby, but any more advice at all would be really appreciated.

Also, I heard that the more local people using cable from the same provider the slower it goes. Is this true? What would be the advantage to DSL?

[doctorgonzo]

Yes, cable internet users share bandwidth, so when more people in your area are online your performance will go down.

Have you checked out your area on www.dslreports.com? It is not a bad place to start.

[Mas2248]

Okay, I'll check out DSLreports. Thanks for the help everyone.

[glc]

A friend of mine in Richmond is pretty satisfied with Verizon DSL.

[Confused]

I have cable and have been very pleased with it. Here in Louisville it is cheaper than DSL and is provided by local cable franchise Insight. They now use AT&T. Check your provider and see if it is available in your area, and check if DSL is available. When I got cable, DSL wasn't a option since you need to live within 3 miles of telco switch. That may have changed as I haven't checked lately.

Go to your cable site and telco site and see if service is provided. They usually have a locator for service areas and then check prices.
Chas

[Mas2248]

Thank you!

[jca08]

www.dslreports.com
www.bandwidthplace.com
i just got cable internet very near where you live, and it has been great, i've only had slow downs once, and i assume it was maintenance or something because, i always have a 1.5mbps connection according to those speed checks you can do on those sites, i've widdled the price down to 39.95 per month with AT&T but we did need to buy the modem up front, which cost about 60$ USD. there's also excellent support, you'll just need to spend some time on the phone, which is good because you can troubleshoot your cable connection while talking to the AT&T technician. oh, and when i checked DSL in our area, we were about 2.7 miles from the closest CO. considering the maximum is 3.6 miles this is decent but not fantastic and IMHO DSL seems to be trying to eke out the last bit of bandwidth it can from a technology (phone line) that wasn't made to support it. however, in defense of DSL it is a dedicated cable for your house whereas with cable it does share the connection locally, since you do live in a pretty densely populated area, cable may be a little strained in your area, although i doubt it with the newer cables most likely in your developement. anyways, definitely go to these sites and use the prequalification agents to find the exact circumstances for your house. if you have any specific questions you know how to contact me, good luck, and just remember anything is better than dial-up...

josh

[tigstah]

hey man i'm in richmond....get the att broadband service...its only 10 for the first 3 months and if you own the modem 20 there after and its fast.....i am 800-1mb range......