Providing onsite computer care for metro-west "495" area of Massachusetts

What's the best Internet connection: cable or DSL or FIOS ?

Cable-based Internet access has historically provided the fastest connection speeds. Comcast and Charter provide the lion's share of cable-based Internet in eastern Massachusetts. Download speeds typically range from about 5 to 10 megabits/second with a current/new cablemodem (such as the Motorola 5100 series). If you can get cable TV in your community, you can probably get cable-based Internet service.

DSL (e.g. from Verizon) is carried on the regular phone lines and has some speed limitations due to the basic design of the telephone system. DSL signals coexist with regular telephone service, so that regular telephone calls can be made and answered without any disruption to the DSL Internet service. Download speeds typically range from 500 to 1500 megabits/second with a current/new DSL modem (such as a Westell 6600). DSL service was introduced at about 1/3 the price of cable Internet, making it very attractive to homeowners with average to low incomes. Currently it is about 1/2 the price of cable Internet. Unfortunately, DSL is not available in many locations. Visiting the  www.verizon.net website, you can type in your telephone number to see if DSL is available.

Verizon's FIOS (fiber-based Internet) is a new service intended to replace DSL where new fiber wiring has been installed in a community. It is similar to cable-based Internet in that it is not hampered by the historical design of the telephone system. Download speeds are stated to be from 5 to as high as 30 megabits/second depending on your plan. FIOS is very new, and coverage is limited right now. Visiting the  website www.verizon.net/fios , you can type in your telephone number to see if FIOS is available.

Call Ed Sterling at 978-779-6058 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. 
Or Email: ed@EdSterling.com
(There is no charge for a brief assessment of your computer problem)

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