Getting Connected

APPROXIMATE COST PER MONTH

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGE

CABLE

MediaOne

Television cable

1-2 Mbps

$35-$45

Widespread availability

Shared service, so slows down as more people go online at same time; security concerns

DSL

Sprint, ISPs

Telephone lines

1-2 Mbps

$50-$75

Dedicated line and guaranteed speed

Geographic limitations

ISDN

Sprint, CLECs, ISPs

Telephone lines

128 Kbps

$50 and up

Availability

Can be complicated to set up; some geographic limitations

SATELLITE

DirecPC

Satellite signals

400 Kbps

$30-$130

Available where other services are not

Physical obstructions and weather can affect service

T1

Sprint, CLECs, ISPs

4-wire telephone line

1.54 Mbps

Depends on distance

Dedicated line; can handle high-volume

Expense of installation

WIRELESS BROADBAND

PSINet,

DHR Networks

High-frequency radio or microwave signals

128 Kbps - 3 Mbps

$60 and up

Service can be restored more quickly than land lines after a natural disaster

Physical obstructions and weather can affect service