Shopping for a cable Internet service is very similar to choosing a dial-up ISP, although usually your choices are more limited. Usually you go with cable Internet access, when you seek fast internet at a great cost. The two biggest factors for speed are latency and bandwidth.

Bandwidth is the rate in which data can be transferred to your PC. It could be thought of as your Internet connection being a road, the higher the bandwidth, the more lanes the road has. With more lanes more cars (data) can pass into your computer. High bandwidth is absolutely essential if you plan on downloading a lot of files, music or movies. Bandwidth will often vary, although you can usually look up the maximum bandwidth values of each ISP though.   

Latency is another very important part of Internet speed. With the road analogy, latency could be thought of as the speed limit for the road. The faster the speed limit (latency) is the faster data can be transferred into your computer. Latency is the delay in which you get information, for example, you visit a webpage and it takes 3 seconds before it starts to download the page. Your latency delay is 3,000MS (milliseconds) or 3 Seconds. The lower your latency delay is; the faster you’ll use the internet.

Although, it’s quite hard to compare cable internet providers based on their latency, latency delays will vary among users of the same ISP. Many factors such as your computer, your modem, distance from the cable companies closest node and many other factors can determine your latency with your ISP. It could also vary depending on the time of day and how congested your local network is with other users. It can be very tough to determine your latency before subscribing. The best option is to consult with your neighbors and see what their satisfaction levels are with the local cable providers.

Often your only choice for cable internet providers is the company that’s providing cable TV for your local area. Usually areas will only have one cable TV provider, so your choices for cable Internet access are limited. Although you may be limited by provider options, cable internet access sure does beat dial-up.

However, if you’re unhappy with your local cable internet provider choices, you could always look into DSL internet services from your local phone company.

Popular Cable Internet Providers

Time Warner High Speed Internet
Time Warner offers absolutely amazing no contract required deals, $29.95/month for 6 months with free installation included. Why wait for web pages to load on a slow dial-up connection when you could get where you want to be instantly! Time Warner high speed online Internet is all about speed, fast surfing, fast downloads, everything about it is fast. With speeds topping out at 5.0 Mbps, which is often double standard ADSL packages and more then 100 times faster than a standard dial-up connection. Absolutely no contract required and included is a 30-day money back guarantee!

Comcast High Speed Internet - $19.99/mo.
Comcast offers packages starting at 19.99 a month although it’s only for the first 6 months, included in this package is a free cable modem! Unleash the speed of raw pure broadband with speeds up to 6 Mbps, roughly 120 times faster than your standard dial-up connection. Lightning quick download speeds, always connected service and always ready to get you where you want to be. With Comcast high-speed Internet you can expect your Internet experience to be taken to the next level.  


Cox
You can expect great offers from Cox High-Speed, with prices starting at 19.95/month with the first 3 months free! Cox also offers many local area promotions, enter your address in their website and check out what’s being offered in your location. Other packages deals can include free Motorola modems, free self installation kits. Check out Cox High-Speed today and see what’s available for your location.  


Adelphia
One of the most talked about providers, Adelphia Internet is offering high-speed cable internet access starting at $23.95/month for the first 3 months. Adelphia High-Speed will create an absolutely exceptional Internet experience for you. Everything you’ve come to love about the Internet is made faster with this great Internet service. You’ll be able take full advantage of all the Internet has to offer with this service, such as live streaming video and video conferencing.


Charter High Speed Internet Special only $19.99/mo
Get connected with Charter High-Speed for only $14.99/month, an absolutely unbelievable price! Charter may not provide the best speeds compared to the other providers, but for the average Internet user it’s good enough. The reliability of Charter is known to be very exceptional. With great prices, great reliability and decent speeds Charter is suited for the average Internet user.