| DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) connects a user to the Internet via regular phone lines. Typical DSL speed is 768 Kbps up to 1,500 Kbps, which at top speed is 25 times faster than standard dial up service. It usually does not require professional installation but it does require a local phone line and availability is limited to upgraded areas. Activation once took weeks, but now it typically takes 5 to 7 days. Availability of DSL is dependent upon your local telephone company. For example, if AT&T is your local phone provider, you can get AT&T DSL, but you cannot get Verizon DSL. If Verizon is your local phone provider, you can get Verizon DSL, but you cannot get AT&T DSL. If you do not have a home phone, you cannot get DSL, since DSL connects a user to the Internet via regular phone lines. Availability of DSL is also dependent upon your location from the Central Office. In order to receive DSL service in your home or business you must be within 18,000 ft. (about 3.5mi.) from the central office (CO) or remote terminal (RT). So even if DSL service is offered in your city, it is possible that the service still may not be available for your location. Some providers are starting to offer DSL without local phone service; however, it is available in very limited areas and at a much higher cost.
Cable Internet connects users to the Internet through digital (coaxial) cables. Typical Cable speeds range from 500 Kbps up to 2,000 Kbps, which at top speed is 30 times faster than standard dial up service. Cable Internet can sometimes require professional installation and the speeds are not always consistent. It is however widely available and very affordable. Many cable companies offer special rates if you sign up for cable Internet and have digital cable. With cable broadband, only one cable company can operate in any one area, so if you wish to sign up to a cable broadband service, you will be limited to those offered by whichever cable broadband provider is operating in your area.
You do not need local phone service to receive cable internet, and you do not need to have cable TV to sign up for cable internet.
Satellite Internet connects users to the Internet via satellite dish. The speeds typically run at 500 Kbps downstream, which is still considerably faster than dial up. Although it is relatively expensive and requires professional installation it does allow high-speed access to people in rural and semi rural areas that would otherwise only have dial up as an option. Current satellite Internet technology is two way, which means you can upload as fast a you download. You can also work with your selected provider to coordinate or upgrade your satellite TV and satellite Internet systems. | 
