When comparing Internet service providers, keep in mind how much you will be downloading and which services are available in your area. FiOS, for example, is a relatively new technology and isn't offered in all areas. Even cable Internet can be difficult to obtain in rural areas. Which option is best for you?
FiOS
FiOS service is the fastest Internet connection currently available. FiOS is proprietary to Verizon and depends on Verizon to build fiber optic lines to carry service to new areas. Because this requires a major investment in infrastructure, FiOS isn't available in all areas. If it is an option for you, though, Verizon typically sells two packages: a 5/2 Mbps package and a 15/2 Mbps package. 5/2 means you can download at the rate of 5 Megabytes per second, and upload at the rate of 2 Mbps per second. The 15/2 package allows 15 Mbps downloads and 2 Mbps uploads. Pricing varies by region, but the 15/2 package is more expensive than its 5/2 counterpart. Even the 5/2 package is comparable to cable Internet at its best, and the 15/2 package is worth the upgrade if you regularly download large files, listen to streaming music or watch streaming video.
Cable
Cable Internet is typically provided as part of a bundle package with a cable television provider. The tricky thing about determining cable Internet speeds is that the speed varies depending on network usage. During a busy part of the day, typically evenings, when many users are using the Internet simultaneously, speeds are likely to be far slower than times when there is very little network traffic. Expect anywhere from 40%-70% capacity during peak Internet usage. Most cable Internet providers advertise speeds up to 6 Mbps, but a realistic speed of 3-4 Mbps is far more likely. Cable Internet is the fastest connection you can get if FiOS isn't available in your area and is probably a reasonable choice for the average Internet user.
DSL
DSL is the slowest broadband protocol, clocking in at either 768 Kbps or 1.5 Mbps, depending on your package and area. The advantage of DSL is that it is often available in rural areas where FiOS and even cable Internet are not available. DSL is also an inexpensive solution to other broadband options, typically costing about half of what the alternatives do. Unfortunately, DSL speeds are underwhelming, making it frustrating and time-consuming to download large files or even to load graphically-intensive high-bandwidth websites. DSL may be a great choice for the occasional Internet user that relies primarily on e-mail or the occasional Web application, but may be uncomfortably slow for a more intensive Internet user.
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