Cable Internet Cable Internet Service Provider Specials Offers & Deals
Cable Internet is a type of internet access which allows a computer to connect by coaxial TV cable to a cable Internet Service Provider or ISP. While cable internet does use your existing cable TV connection, a monthly subscription and cable modem set up is required prior to receiving internet access. Service availability is generally limited to your local cable TV company, a few exceptions may exist in some service areas. Below is a short list of cable internet service providers for which you may find specials offers deals and discounts on our web site. Prices for cable internet are generally between $29.95 to $49.95 per month. See high speed internet for a comparison of cable internet vs DSL.
Cable Internet Service Providers
Cable Internet Service Availability
When we discussed dial up internet service, we mentioned that most computers today ship with everything that you need to connect to a dial up internet service provider. The same is not true of cable internet services. For starters, cable internet regardless of the ISP is subscription based, meaning that you will need to sign up ahead of time and pay a monthly fee. Additional equipment is also needed, such as a cable internet modem. Equipment may be provided free of charge through the special offer links on our web site, at additional cost by your cable internet service provider, and available for purchase at your local computer store.
Cable internet service providers we review on our web site are those with very large numbers of subscribers throughout the United States of America. Comcast, Charter, and Time Warner Cable for example, are among the largest cable TV and cable internet service providers in the United States of America. Smaller companies may be found on our internet service providers list. Remember to compare competing internet services before you buy, and read each service provider's terms of service and privacy policy as well.
Cable Internet Service Speed
Cable internet service speeds have improved over the last few years, and further speed improvements are expected. Most cable internet plans start at 2 or 3 Mbps, with some providers now offering cable internet speed in the range of 30 to 50 Mbps in select service areas. If you are after the highest internet speed available, cable internet access might be your best option. While fiber optic internet can surpass the speeds of cable internet, the availability of fiber optic is much more limited than cable internet at this time.
Residential cable internet service operates on a shared network. Sharing may occur on a neighborhood basis or a building basis if you live in a large apartment complex for example. Sharing of cable internet networks helps to keep the costs down at reasonable levels compared to a dedicated business like network. During peak times all residential cable internet access may become sluggish, especially if the users frequently download music, watch streaming video, or play online games. If you have purchased a basic residential cable internet plan at 2 or 3 Mbps and are experiencing slower than desired internet access speeds, the most practical remedy is to upgrade to the next speed level.
Cable internet providers are currently exploring ways to fairly distribute bandwidth, or internet access usage. If you expect to download lots of music and play online games all night long, you may soon be expected to pay more or be subject to what's called bandwidth throttling, in which your speed will automatically be reduced after a specified daily bandwidth limit has been reached. Always read the Terms of Service as presented to you by your cable internet service provider prior to signing up.
