What is the cheapest cable?

If a person has neither cable TV nor a home phone, what is the cheapest way to get high speed Internet?

• I'm thinking about cancelling my cable TV service because I don't watch TV enough to justify the cost. I also don't have a home phone since I only use a cell phone. I currently get Internet through cable. What are some other options if I cancel the cable TV service?

• Answer:

  In order of cheapest to most expensive 1. Wireless service like Clear or Clearwire - if available in your area. Costs are competitive with DSL but less than cable 2. "Naked" DSL - some telephone providers will supply you DSL service without phone service - cost is about what you pay for cable 3. Cell based service from a provider such as AT&T or Verizon - costs more than cable, but service is available anywhere you have cell phone coverage 4. Satellite Internet - expensive and somewhat flaky, but better than nothing Before you jump - consider these items Performance - if you do a lot of downloading, beware of wireless systems. They either have data limits or speed limits that can cause problems If you are a gamer - the same applies - wireless systems will drive you crazy Data limits - Cable systems let you download anything, all the time. It's almost impossable to exceed Comcasts data limit for example (250GB/month) - Not so with wireless systems, especially the cell based systems. And the cost for exceeding the limits can stop your heart. Location - DSL requires that you be within a fixed distance of a switching station. For wireless you must have coverage in your area. Sattilite requires you can see "the bird". Make sure you are not on a "fringe" area. Spotty reception or service can have you talking to yourself in short order. Have Fun