What Is DSL internet? What are my internet options?

DSL internet is a digital subscriber line,and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable,satellite,and ... Read More

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What Is DSL internet?  What are my internet options?

Update February 10, 2020   02/10/2020:  

Since we published this article several years ago not much has changed.  DSL internet is still available and unfortunately the only option for many Americans who are simply looking for high speed internet for their homes. Companies like AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink still offer DSL service.  Many customers are stranded looking for options to be able to stream their favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon amongst other sources.  Since the latest speed test done across the country show that DSL only has the ability to operate at a speed of 1Mbps or less, DSL is simply not an option for today's internet user.  

There is good news for folks who are either moving to a new area looking to set up service and find DSL is one of the only options or existing DSL customer from AT&T, CenturyLink and Earthlink who are simply not getting the speed, and service they are looking for.  Viasat Satellite internet service and HughesNet satellite internet service offer speeds almost 25x higher and give many customers a truly high speed internet option.  Check out to see if you have better options in your area by using our zip code lookup tool here Zip Code Lookup Tool



DSL internet is a digital subscriber line, and it allows you to access the internet over your phone lines. Along with cable, satellite, and fiber optics, DSL is one of the four main types of connections used by internet service providers.

How Does DSL Internet Work?

Traditional phones lines are made of copper wires that carry analog signals. When you talk on a landline phone, the acoustics of your conversation are converted into analog signals that run along the phone wires. Similarly, these wires can also carry analog signals from computer to computer. However, you need a modem to convert the analog signals into digital signals. Finally, subscriber line simply refers to the fact that you subscribe or pay a monthly fee to access the line.

Can You Use the Phone With DSL?

In the early days of internet popularity, dial-up service also used phone lines to carry the internet into your home. With these old systems, however, you could not use the phone at the same time as the internet. With DSL, that has changed. The signal is split coming into your home, allowing you to access the internet and use your landline at the same time.

How Fast Is DSL Internet?

The telephone companies that offer DLS internet use digital subscriber line access multiplexers -- imagine a small building full of constantly buzzing equipment and servers. These multiplexers connect to a network to access data, and from there, the data is forwarded to individual subscribers. In most cases, to get DSL internet, you must be within a certain distance of the multiplexer, and generally, the closer you are the faster your internet service is. DSL speeds range from 128 kbps to 12 Mbps. However, in some cases, you can get DSL speeds up to 20 Mbps or even 40 Mbps — those speeds are typically only available in areas where the existing phone lines have been reinforced or bolstered with fiber optics.

Can You Bundle DSL Internet?

Generally, phone companies offer DSL. For example, AT&T, CenturyLink, Verizon, and Frontier Communications all offer DSL internet as well as phone service. In most cases, if you want to have DSL and a landline, you have to get both services from the same company. However, discounts for booking multiple services is standard practice in the industry. Some DSL providers also pair with television, cell phone companies, and others to offer bundling discounts.

Where Is DSL Available?

DSL service is available around the county. However, it is not strictly available everywhere that has phone lines. As indicated above, the service can only work in areas where the phone company has invested in digital subscriber line access multiplexers and upgrading the phone lines as necessary. If DSL is offered in your area, you may want to consider it. Compare the price with other options, and then, make sure the potential internet speeds are up to your needs. For more on internet speeds, check out our post "What Internet Speed Do You Need?".


Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Two of the most popular internet options are satellite internet like HughesNet and Viasat or cable internet like Comcast Xfinity, Wow, Frontier, Spectrum and CenturyLink. We dig deep to find out which Internet Service Provider is best

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Cable Internet Versus HughesNet and Viasat Satellite internet: Which Option Is Best for You?

Updated: February 11, 2020

02/11/2020

We still get this question often and we wanted to update this article with the questions, myths and facts people still have or hear about cable vs satellite internet service.  For the purposes of this article we will be discussing the two major providers of satellite internet, HughesNet and Viasat as well as various cable providers which include but are not limited to companies like Spectrum, Comcast, Frontier, WOW cable, Time Warner Cable, CenturyLink and WIndstream.  There are over 2700 internet service providers across the US all offering various speed, packages, prices, bundles and incentives.  We will try to help you determine which service is right for you.  


Two of the most popular internet options are satellite and cable internet. Both satellite and cable bring the internet into your home, but they complete this function in vastly different ways. Here's a look at the basics to help you decide which option is right for your needs.  

Cable Internet Versus Satellite: The Basics

Cable internet comes to your home through the same cables that you use to watch cable TV. In most cases, you can use the same provider for both cable TV and cable internet like Comcast, CenturyLink, spectrum, Wow cable, frontier and many others.  , You typically receive a discount for bundling both your new cable and tv services. Satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, in contrast, starts with a land-based internet connection. That sends signals to a satellite orbiting Earth, which in turn sends signals to your personal satellite dish. Finally, your personal satellite dish is connected to your home modem.  Satellite internet like the service HughesNet and Viasat provide give you the exact same product as far as internet is concerned.  The differences really boil down to speed price and availability.  If you are moving to a new home and looking for a new internet provider, the availability of a cable service like Spectrum, Comcast or CenturyLink really depends if they have put the high speed broadband internet infrastructure in your area to be able to offer you service.  

The Installation Process

Both satellite and cable internet require professional installation and a modem. The cable internet installer simply splices your existing cable and routes it to your modem.  Many times providers like Comcast ( their high speed broadband internet service is actually called Xfinity) and Spectrum (formerly known as Charter) offer self install in which there companies just send the modem to your home and you plug it in.  For the self install feature Comcast and Spectrum need to have been installed in the home previously.  The satellite internet installer has to put in a satellite dish, just as they do with satellite TV.  With both satellite and cable internet, you pay a monthly fee, and if you bundle the service with your TV service, you can often receive a discount.  With Satellite internet service like Viasat and HughesNet, they do not have a standalone TV service but partner with DirecTV and often offer incentives like $10 off of your HughesNet or Viasat bill for signing up for both services.   In both cases, you may be required to buy or rent a modem. However, with satellite internet, you may also have to foot the cost of buying or leasing the satellite dish.  Much of this depends on the offer at the time and your credit worthiness.  Many providers offer free standard installation when you qualify for their offer.  Typically standard instillation of TV, Phone and Internet Service can run as high as $99.  To check and see the current offers or to see if you qualify you can always call Konecteaze.com or call Call 888-376-0753


Reliability

Cable internet runs along cables and tends to be relatively reliable. However, if you live in an area where the cable TV goes in and out, you can expect similar performance issues with your internet. Additionally, if your neighbors receive their internet through the same cable, speed and reliability may be reduced when multiple people are on the internet at the same time. With satellite internet, in contrast, you don't share the signal with your neighbors. That keeps the signal strong during peak usage times. However, storms and sunspots can disrupt the transmission signal and lead to downtime.

Availability

Cable internet is only available in areas with cable TV. Satellite internet is available almost anywhere. In many areas, you can choose between these two options, but in rural areas, without cable, satellite may be the only option.  The best way to find out which internet service providers are available in your area as well as offers and speeds, use our handy zip look up tool on our home page Konecteaze.com and type in your zip code to see the latest offers.  

Speeds

Speeds can vary depending on the type of cables in your area. However, cable internet typically offers speeds ranging from 20 Mbps to over 1000 Mbps. Satellite internet is a bit slower with speeds ranging from 5 to 100 Mbps(. If both options are available in your area, your decision boils down to speed and cost. Check out a few companies in your area to see which options and packages are available. Don't forget however that in addition to these options, you should also check out DSL. This modern take on dial-up will be covered in an upcoming blog.


Spectrum Demystified: Overview of Spectrum Internet, TV, & Phone Packages

Looking to try out Spectrum for your home internet, TV, and phone needs? Check out our handy guide that answers all your biggest questions.

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Spectrum Demystified: Overview of Spectrum Internet, TV, & Phone Packages

Spectrum. We all know it, even if we have never had it. With over twenty-four million customers (and counting), it is one of the biggest companies in the game. Picking the right service package can be homework. It requires research.

But don’t sweat it. We have you covered. This handy guide breaks it all down for you and makes it easy. This is everything you need to know for finding the right Spectrum package. Let’s roll.


Are People Happy With Spectrum?

Pop quiz. What is one of the first things you should always do before buying something? If you answered read the reviews, then you are right on the money. So, what is the word on Spectrum?

Customers are saying that they like the competitive prices and the fast download speeds. They also like that there are no contracts and no data caps.

Finding out what people are saying about a company can be a useful way to evaluate your options, albeit with limitations. Just because someone goes online to vent about a service or product does not mean that the product or service is outright trash.

However, a thoughtful and well-written review can be helpful and informative. There are lots of good review sites out there for you to get a good sense of things.


Can I Downgrade My Spectrum Package?

Sure. Of course, you can. Remember, no contracts. Now, if you have an unlimited plan, and you use less than 3 GB of data per billing cycle, you can downgrade quite easily to pay By the Gig plan, and bada bing bada boom, it will start on your next bill cycle. And if you need to cancel or remove service, simply contact customer service and that’s a wrap. 


Can You Cancel Spectrum Anytime?

Again, no contracts, so, yes. It is simple to cancel. But with this one, you do have to call customer service or else go in person.

It can be annoying that there are no online cancellation options, but what can you do? Spectrum wants to try to save you as a customer. And who knows? Maybe there is a better solution than to hit the road.   


Is There a Fee to Cancel Spectrum?

No. But there can be some consequences to canceling your service that you should be aware of before you do it.

For starters, if you are a mobile customer and you disconnect your other Spectrum services, you no longer qualify for the $20 per-line bundle discount that you get through the Spectrum Mobile Service.

And, if you disconnect your other Spectrum services, your Wi-Fi speeds slow down, and you cannot add new lines of service or upgrade your device. Just something to be aware of.


Does Spectrum Offer a Trial Period?

Not sure if you want to buy yet? No worries. Spectrum offers a 30-minute per month free trial of the Out-of-Home Wi-Fi to give non-customers the chance to experience it before deciding.

Simply select the Spectrum Wi-Fi network on your device, and your browser will automatically open to the connection page. Once you are on that page, select the Other Ways to Connect option.

From there, go to Get a Free Trial off Spectrum Internet, and you are on your way to getting connected. The trial begins and the timer starts when you first access the service.

If you do not use all 30 minutes in one go, you can reconnect later (it must be on the same device) and finish using the remaining time. That time is yours to explore the service. Use it wisely.


Where is Spectrum Internet Located?

The good thing about the big Internet cable companies is that their size necessitates widespread coverage. The 2016 merger between Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks solidified its status as one of the corporate biggies. Spectrum (sometimes still referred to as “TWC” or “Bright House”) is now available in most urban and suburban areas across the United States. If you live in a major metropolitan area, either on the East coast or the West or anywhere in between, chances are Spectrum services your area.


Spectrum TV

TV has evolved significantly in the past few years. More and more cable customers are choosing to cut the cord and stream instead. Still, live TV has not gone away.

Customers can get both in one place with Spectrum service. It combines live TV, On Demand and recorded DVR content in one convenient place. Additionally, they offer more HD content than any other competitor service.


What is the Regular Price for Spectrum TV?

It depends on if you get a bundled package or standalone TV service. If you can bundle, do it. It saves you money.

But if you are just looking to get standalone TV service, then you have three options:

  • Select - This is the most basic option with 125 available channels at $44.99 per month for 12 months.
  • Silver - Silver offers 175 channels at $69.99 per month for 12 months.
  • Gold - Gold comes in on top at 200 channels for $89.99 per month for 12 months.

These options vary by the number of channels that they come with, and consequently, by their price. Compare the channel lineup to see which option is the one for your needs. 


Can I Get Local Channels with Spectrum TV?

You bet. You can watch all the biggest shows on all the popular channels. We are talking SHOWTIME, STARZ, THE MOVIE CHANNEL, and HBO Max. Game time is covered, too. No matter the sport, fans can catch the big game live on channels like ESPN, NBA TV, and the NFL and MLB Networks. Not only can you get local channels, but you can go international, as well. Spanish TV, Greek TV, Filipino TV, and other channels make Spectrum a thoroughly comprehensive experience.


Does Spectrum Have Satellite TV?

Nope. Spectrum is a cable TV service. It uses a coaxial cable, not a satellite dish. The cable runs from your wall to the TV or the Spectrum cable box receiver, as well as to your modem. If you are looking for satellite TV, explore providers like DISH to find what you need.


Spectrum Internet

It is kind of crazy how the Internet has become practically a necessity of modern life. We all use it, and we all need it, whether for work or pleasure, our personal lives, or our social ones. Here is what you need to know to navigate the market and find what you need in an Internet service provider, or ISP. 


What is the Regular Price for Spectrum Internet?

Like with the TV packages, you get three Spectrum internet plans. They are named after - you guessed it - their respective download speeds in Mbps. For instance:

  • Spectrum 1000 - 1000 Mbps download speed. It costs $109.99 per month for the first year.
  • Spectrum 400 - 400 Mbps is $69.99 per month for the first year.
  • Spectrum 200 - 200 Mbps is $49.99 for the first year.

Bear in mind that there may be an initial one-time setup or activation fee with any of these options.


Does Spectrum Have Unlimited Internet?

Yes. This is a legitimate concern. Some companies do have data caps to limit how much Internet you can consume. This is important to keep in mind when you are shopping around for a provider. Spectrum features unlimited data and no overage fees, so that is pretty much as good as it gets as far as data caps are concerned. Enough said. 


Can I Use VPN on Spectrum?

Smart question. It means you know the importance and value of using a VPN, or virtual private network, for using the Internet. A Spectrum VPN can help protect your privacy, by blocking trackers, including third parties, from obtaining your information – everything from search history to emails that you send.

A Spectrum VPN can improve your Internet speeds by bypassing throttling. That is where an ISP can deliberately restrict your bandwidth based on your network traffic. But a VPN blocks the deep packet inspection (DPI) from distinguishing you from anyone else online, Spectrum customer or not. It is like being invisible.


Is Spectrum Good for Gaming and Streaming?

Certainly. Think about it. Gaming and streaming are two of the most popular online activities. If an ISP does not offer services that can support modern gaming and streaming needs, then they just aren’t worth considering. The things you want to look at are:

  • Download speeds
  • Reliability
  • Lag times

Spectrum has you covered on each of those fronts. We have already covered that Spectrum download speeds, on the highest end, reach up to 400 Mbps and 1 Gbps, depending on your level. Also, Spectrum is reliable and has ultra-low lag times.


Can You Use a Wi-Fi Extender with Spectrum?

Absolutely. And that can be important. If you have ever walked around your home with your phone in hand and suddenly lose connection, you may have found yourself in a dead zone of your house. These zones can be big or small.

Is it just impossible for you to get a good signal while you are luxuriating in bed, trying to watch TikToks? A Wi-Fi extender increases the range and speed of the wireless Internet in your home by eliminating these dreaded dead zones and strengthening the connection. And you are more than welcome to use such a device with Spectrum.


Spectrum Phone Service

Remember those things called phone calls? Yes, yes. But do not be too smug about it. With VoIP services like Spectrum Voice, it is a useful way to place affordable international calls. Here is the lowdown on their phone service.


Is Spectrum a Landline or Voice-Over-IP (VOIP)?

Spectrum Voice uses VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). However, unlike many other VoIP services, it features instant tracing to 911 services. Additionally, you get unlimited nationwide calling to anywhere in the U.S. and to Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa.

Rates for international calls vary by plan and can be as low as pennies per minute. Spectrum Voice comes with thirty additional cool features like caller ID that can show on your TV, call forwarding, 3-way calling, robocall blocking, and readable voicemail. Plus, there are no added taxes or fees.


What is the Regular Price for Spectrum Phone Service?

The thing about Spectrum Voice is that you cannot get it as a standalone service. You must bundle it with either Internet or TV service. It only costs $14.99 per month, and the bundled rate is among the most reasonable in the market with the least expensive package being Spectrum Internet + Voice, which costs $64.98 per month for the first year. Not bad.


Parting Words

There you have it. A quick rundown of everything you need to know about Spectrum’s menu of service options. This giant is not going anywhere anytime soon, and it is good to know what they offer their customers. 

Okay. It is time for your final exam. Ready? What is one of the first things that you should always do before picking a provider? Here is a hint. You just did it. You got it – research!

Read and learn your options. Find the service package or bundle that meets your needs. Because in the end, time is too short to be stuck with bad service. Check out the provider’s service page for more details on how Spectrum services can work for you.