Cable Internet

RCN Corporation

Guide to Cable Internet Services

Cable Internet providers can put your business in the Internet fast lane
By Ned Averill-Snell

Until recently, cable-based broadband Internet service was considered mostly a residential option. Availability of cable Internet service is much higher in homes than in businesses, and businesses remain more likely to get their broadband Internet service through one of several flavors of DSL or a T1 line. But cable Internet's mix of low cost and high performance is beginning to push it into the small business mainstream, and is worth a look for cost-conscious companies. Keep in mind:

1. Cable Internet service is supplied through the same lines that carry cable television. It is managed by cable Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that have cut deals to use the lines. Cable Internet service delivers fewer ISP choices to a given address than does DSL.
2. Although cable Internet is, in theory, faster than DSL, in practice cable Internet performance can vary widely throughout the day, depending upon the amount of traffic carried by all subscribers on the line.
3. Even if your business address can receive cable TV, it may not be able to receive cable Internet. Your local cable company can tell you.
4. Rate plans differ in the number of email addresses supplied, default speed, additional services (Web hosting, managed storage, etc.) and the number of IP addresses a cable Internet provider will assign to your company. In most cases, the number of IP addresses doesn't matter, although it can simplify management of your Web site or email.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Discover which cable Internet service provider can serve your company's address Your vendor choices will be limited to those cable Internet service providers who have made a deal with your local cable company.

I recommend:  The Broadband Guide generates free real time quotes from cable Internet providers serving your location, based on your input in a simple form. At BroadbandBuyer.com, you can search for and contact cable Internet providers serving your address, and also access current specials from some carriers. (The site considers cable Internet a residential, not business, service, so you'll use the Home search engine to hook up with cable Internet providers.)

Compare rates and services Compare broadband Internet providers’ rates and services

I recommend:  See a cost comparison chart at CompareNow.net, along with user review ratings. Broadband Internet provider Web sites (for example, Road Runner Business Class, EarthLink, Comcast, Cox and Time-Warner) can give you details on bundled broadband Internet services and special temporary rates, but the real, ongoing rate is usually a mystery until you call the company and ask. Also check Business.com for more broadband Internet provider rates and services.

Don't ignore other broadband Internet options T1 lines are widely considered the most reliable broadband Internet service for business but also the most costly. DSL comes in a variety of speeds and configurations that make it easier to balance your access broadband Internet needs and your budget.

I recommend:  BroadbandInfo.com's great guide compares the advantages and disadvantages of different broadband Internet technologies, and EarthLink's helpful chart compares its business broadband Internet service options. Check the directories on Business.com for more broadband Internet service options from various broadband internet providers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Buy more bandwidth than you need from your broadband Internet provider now so that you're ready for company growth.
• If you can, lease equipment rather than buying it. Make maintenance the broadband Internet provider's problem.
• Get the shortest broadband Internet service contract you can. Rates drop, so you don't want to be locked into a higher rate for too long. And if you're unhappy with your broadband Internet provider, you don't want to be stuck — there are stiff penalties for terminating a contract early.
• You'll typically find DSL and T1 options on broadband Internet providers' 'business' Web sites; cable Internet service info is available under the residential pages. Home vs. business doesn't really matter, except that the business broadband Internet providers may offer more email addresses, IP addresses and other goodies.