What is Broadband Cable?

Broadband cable allows Internet users to access the web at much faster rates than dial-up modem access allows. Whereas the typical dial-up modem connects users at a baud speed of approximately 56Kbps (actually, a bit slower, thanks in part to certain connection hiccups and FCC regulations), a broadband cable connection offers entrée to the web at rates approaching 1Mbps or even faster.

Let's enumerate some of the benefits of broadband cable. First, since broadband cable is always “on,” users can connect to the net any time they want to check email, surf the web, upload files, or meet up with online friends or business associates. In addition, broadband cable offers prices nearly equal to the costs of dial-up service, particularly in remote areas where the public switched telephone network doesn't have deep coverage.

Businesses can write off broadband cable expenses. Thanks to emerging multimedia devices like the iTV and advanced PDA systems, broadband cable allows users to experience cutting edge forms of communication, participate in video conferencing without experiencing massive delays, and cachet data at faster rates.

Moreover, as broadband cable becomes de rigueur in business circles, more and more of your associates are going to expect that you are going to be able to access the Internet at broadband cable speeds. Thus, if you stay “behind” your associates, you may be frustrated by some of the tasks that your industry peers expect from you. Sure, you can use dial-up or even accelerated dial-up to get your multimedia jobs done, but the anguish and time you expend may make the transaction not very cost-effective.

Broadband cable providers also yield up a number of extras for loyal customers. You may be able to bundle your cable TV and broadband cable internet service together for a lower price. You can get online help with technical issues and abundant email storage. You may be even able to participate in souped-up filtration and anti-virus methods.

Parents, for their part, can use special broadband cable filters to lock out objectionable content. Finally, survey after survey shows that broadband cable is simply more reliable than more obsolescent dial-up connections — reliability is key, particularly if you are running a business.