In Need Of Cyber-Speed?

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

October 12, 1999 / 6:35 PM EDT / CBS

Many Americans describe the experience of trying to log on to the Internet as the World Wide Wait.

But now many Internet users have options if they feel the need for cyber speed; it's called high-speed access.

Jupiter Communications Internet research analyst Zia Widger shares on CBS News This Morning some options available for consumers.

"If you use the Internet a lot, once you have high-speed access, you will never go back," says Widger, adding that this can mean speeds up to 12 times faster than what some consumers currently experience.

Why High-Speed Access?

1.Frustrated with dial-up

2.Always-on connection

3. Download a lot of files/graphics

4. Use internet more than 30 hours a week

Most cable companies are now providing Internet access; the main suppliers are MediaOne, Comcast, Charter Communications and Time Warner, she says. Cable connections are about $40 more a month.

Digital subscriber line (DSL) service, or digital service over a phone line, costs about $50 more a month. DSL is provided by many of the former Baby Bells, including Bell Atlantic, Bell South and SBC-Ameritech. It allows consumers to talk on the phone and work on the computer at the same time, using one telephone line.

Cost Of High-Speed Access
Cable	$40- $45 a month (Includes $5 a month for modem) $100 for installation
DSL	$50 a month $100 for installation $100 for modem

Installing either the cable or digital subscriber line (DSL) service costs about $100. Each service needs a special modem that can run approximately $300, but generally the companies subsidize that cost. So it ends up costing consumers about $100 for the modem, Widger explains. That means abot $200 to buy the modem and have it installed.

Another option is to lease the modem and pay for it monthly.

Eventually costs will go down, and users will likely be able to take advantage. Most Internet subscribers pay on a monthly basis and are not bound to a year-long contract.

When asked which provides faster service, DSL or cable, Widger says they are about the same. But cable connections are dependent on the number of users, says Widger. "If there's only one person on the Internet, it's superfast. When there are 500, you get slowed down."

Companies are also experimenting now with wireless networks as well as fiber optic lines.

To find out about cable Internet access, contact a local cable company. And to find out about DSL service, call a local phone company or check out a DSL Web site.