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General discussion

Have Cable broadband...want to switch to DSL

by gwingee Nov 1, 2005 10:32AM PST

Just went thru Hurricane Wilma..no power..no cable..so no internet....but I had my phone. so, am now thinking of switching to DSL..any cons to this? I have Windows XP/SP2
HP computer...have downloaded a little music, a game and Mozilla. will I lose those?? The cable broadband is 43.00 a month..the DSL will be 33.00

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
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Gwingee, Check With The DSL Provider For Any Limits...
by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Nov 1, 2005 12:14PM PST

...on downloads..I use a DSL provider that has no limits on downloads and in most cases, in our area, DSL is fairly comparable in speed. (Lots of cable users can bring the overall speed down although generally cable is a little faster on download speed.) You will not lose the ability to download music, use Mozilla, or play games.

Still, in order to operate a modem, whether cable or DSL, you will need power..Likewise for your computer, you'll need power..

Hope this helps.

Grif

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To Grif
by gwingee Nov 1, 2005 9:28PM PST

It says for downloads and connections
Up to 1.5Mbps/ 256Kbps (best effort)
50 times faster than dial up...??

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In My Situation, I Chose DSL....
by Grif Thomas Forum moderator Nov 1, 2005 11:24PM PST

You may have a different preference...I have a similar speed service to the one you've indicated and it works fine..I had the option of cable or DSL and in my case, DSL was cheaper and easier to set up..Your situation may be different so only you can make the decision.

If you want to make the change, there's really no reason not to. Still, if you're looking to change because of the electrical issue, it won't make much difference..Both need power.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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I WentThru Similar and Noted Phone Still Worked but.....
by tobeach Nov 1, 2005 2:10PM PST

but even with laptop (battery) & dial-up, couldn't access net as phone co. server wasn't on backup generation (neither were cell phones). In Canada (at least) Phone cos. must have sufficient back-up self generation for entire landline phone system but no so for Internet ISP (even if same phone co). Worth noting I think. Happy

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Without power
by glb613 Nov 1, 2005 7:15PM PST

it doesn't matter what service you have. Nothing is going to work without electricity.

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re power
by gwingee Nov 1, 2005 9:22PM PST

I know nothing will work without power..but I have had power for several days before cable came on..If I had DSL I would think I would have at least been able to access the internet.

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No power,no computer,no lights,no computer,no computer
by Earth911 Nov 4, 2005 12:36AM PST

Do you have a generator? If not,no computer..no computer


NO COMPUTER!!!!

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Wide open
by Willy Nov 1, 2005 11:10PM PST

Any broadband is part of a network, thus you're dependant on the reliability of what that network consists of. You may find that DSL works but to what degree and don't expect it to be 100% after any disaster or if it doesn't work 100%, be happy for what you get. Plus, all those that may use it will soon overload it as well. Plus, being an asset maybe redirected to other uses in the public good.

tada -----Willy Happy

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