Broadband FAQ's

What is the difference between DSL and Cable?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses your existing phone lines. It uses spectrum not used by your voice calls so it allows you to run your Internet connection without interfering with your ability to use the voice functions of your phone at the same time. This means you can be on the Internet and make a call on the same line simultaneously. DSL is currently restricted to no more than 5 miles from the switching station (phone company office). The further from the switching station the slower your connection speed.
Cable uses your TV cable to connect to the Internet. Cable uses what is called a shared network segment. This means that all the computers in a neighborhood are sharing the capacity of the network so if too many people are using it at once it can slow down, although this has not seemed to be a problem for most people so far.
Both systems uses a broadband modem to connect between the phone line or cable and your computer. They generally use a network connection or USB port on your computer to attach the modem to the computer.

I can't get cable or DSL at my location. Are there other options?

There are several other options available. Satellite TV providers are also providing Internet service. It is not as fast as Cable or DSL and their are some reliability issues but it is still better than dialup service.
Several other companies are offering  service throughout the area. Sonic, Vista and Megapath make this service available along with ATT. Costs are fairly high but the service can be split among several users so a neighborhood could get together and share a T1 line to make it economically feasible.
Sonic and Vista have begun offering a wireless broadband service in several areas of the county. There are limitations on where it is available but for those who can get it it is a good service at a fairly good price. See the section below for info on contacting these companies.
Wireless phone companies are also making internet services available. If you have a good data connection where you want Internet service you can either use your phone with tethering enabled (usually for an additional monthly fee of $20-30) or you can get what is known as a mobile hotspot which is a small wireless router uses a combination of wireless service to connect the hotspot to the internet and Wi-Fi to connect your devices to the hotspot. These will frequently support up to 5 devices at a time so they can work in a situation that requires more than one device to connect to the internet. 3G service is somewhat slow but if you can get 4G service it can be faster than many terrestrial forms of Internet.

 Who do I contact for broadband?

For a list of broadband providers in this area click here.