DSL Internet

•DSL internet providers offer dedicated bandwidth
•Speeds range between 756 Kbps to around 6 Mbps
•Cheaper than Cable for lower speed plans
•No need for an additional phone line

Cable Internet

•Cable internet providers offer shared bandwidth so the more people online in your area will slow down your connection speed
•Average speeds range are around 5-6 Mbps
•Relatively more expensive than DSL
•No need for an additional phone line

Check in your area to see what available

Sometimes you don't have an option to choose if you live in rural area.
- NetZero, Verizon and Charter

If you want to use DSL Internet, check with your home telephone line provider.

Most Cable Internet are only available in metropolitan area.
- Comcast

Make sure you ask whether the ISP requires an equipment (modem) or installation fee or any cancellation fee if you close your account before the expiration date.

Some ISP's modems include a wireless router and some don't. In this case, you need to install a separate router if you have a home network.

Sign up and make sure to extend contract after expiration

Most Cable and DSL Internet require 1 year contract. Just make sure you extend the contract to lock in low rate. Otherwise, they will charge you a couple dollar higher on monthly basis.

For example, with Verizon DSL, contract price would be $31 per month, without contract would be $37. After your 1 year contract expiration date, ISP providers would charge higher price if you are unaware of and do not extend contract with them.

Test Internet connection speed after set up

Test your Internet connection speed and make sure it perform as the ISP promised. Otherwise, there might be some problem with your telephone line or equipments like router or modem.

http://speakeasy.net/speedtest/