Cable to ATT DSL...worth it?

[parsoc48]

We changed our landline to the basic, saving $35; ambivalent about switching from cable internet ($48) to ATT DSL since initally savings were only $15 mo....they've sweetened the deal by discounting the equipment by $50, and 6 months of service to $17.00 (from $35). The 3rd person I spoke to, as I was again cancelling the service (hubbie HATES the idea of switching email addresses) said to call again after 6 months and see what other discounts are available...there's no contract, and we can cancel if cost can't be kept down.
So I'll probably do it...wouldn't for $15 saving but the $30+ is swaying me. I too hate the thought of switching addresses, moving furniture (to get to the phone line which is behind a BIG desk!), dealing with customer service to make sure we keep the same email programs, etc....

[AngelinaCatHub]

DSL is much slower that Cable. The way it goes is, dialup is like backing up, DSL next step up, Cable faster, Microwave (if you have this in your area) super fast. Dish worse than DSL. Cell towers worse than DSL.

I doubt you would notice the difference, but you might renegociate you cable price. I never had to purchase my cable modem, it came with the service, why are you buying DSL modem? It should come with the service. 'Hub

[justbroke]

I will just add to what 'Hub wrote.

Cable may be faster than DSL. It depends on who you get your DSL. DSL speeds can go to 9Mbps for download in some area (depends on yoru provider). Many will do 3Mbps to 5Mbps these days.

The problem I have with Cable, and I don't use it anymore as I'd rather use DSL, is that the speed is inconsistent. Depending on the density of your area (how many homes) and how cheap your Cable company is, you'll be sharing that bandwidth with your neighbors. Sure, at 2AM you'll get 10Mbps, but at 4:00PM - 10:00PM with the kids are home from school (in your neighborhood) streaming their music you'll see that 10Mbps drop below 2Mbps speed.

In the end, the real decision you need to make on Cable vs DSL is what you're willing to pay, and what speed you actually need.

If you're streaming videos, youTube-aholic, streaming music, downloading huge files... then you may want a faster line.

If you're just sending e-mails... use the cheapest service.

BTW, I use Fiber Optics (Verizon FiOS), and I get better than Microwave speeds. I'm at 50Mbps / 20Mbps service. (Note: it's a waste of bandwidth if the site you visit most, can't even handle that speed. What large bandwidth is good for, is if you have multiple users in your household; that is multiple simultaneous users. Just remember, that your share your bandwidth with your neighbors with Cable.)

[Keebler]

AT&T is famous for offering different rates over the telephone than they do over the Internet. You can get AT&T DSL service for only $10 a month if you can find the right place on thier web page. I think the DSL modem was even free after rebate if you don't have one already.