Question about broadband internet

[vladittude0583]

Hey guys, I have several questions that hopefully some of you can answer.

1)
My current internet (Clearwire) service allows for 1.5Mbps max download speed and they are offering me a special to upgrade to 2.0Mbps for the same price that I am currently paying for the 1.5Mbps. However, I must agree to extend my contract for another two years. Anyhow, is 0.5Mbps really that much of a significance?

2)
I am looking to switch from Clearwire to AT&T DSL and would like to go for their "Extreme" DSL editions which can either be 3.0Mbps or 6.0Mbps download speeds depending on how much I want to pay. Anyways, when I did AT&T's "availability" in my area search engine, the fastest they would allow at my residential address that I have been living at for the last 10 years is only 1.5Mbps. What bothers me is that when we used to have Bellsouth DSL (before AT&T merger), we had the extreme speeds at 3.0Mbps and this was still in the same residential address. Why is it now that its AT&T, I can only have the Ultra speeds at 1.5Mbps and not the "Extreme?" Is AT&T changing the wirings or something since the merger? Could someone verify this? Could it be because our "home line" is still practically brand new - it was opened about two months ago.

3)
Back to my Clearwire situation, the rep told me that Clearwire will soon be switching over to WiMax Technology for their internet services - does anyone know if WiMax is better than DSL or Cable?

[jw]

Originally Posted by vladittude0583

Hey guys, I have several questions that hopefully some of you can answer.

1)
My current internet (Clearwire) service allows for 1.5Mbps max download speed and they are offering me a special to upgrade to 2.0Mbps for the same price that I am currently paying for the 1.5Mbps. However, I must agree to extend my contract for another two years. Anyhow, is 0.5Mbps really that much of a significance?

2)
I am looking to switch from Clearwire to AT&T DSL and would like to go for their "Extreme" DSL editions which can either be 3.0Mbps or 6.0Mbps download speeds depending on how much I want to pay. Anyways, when I did AT&T's "availability" in my area search engine, the fastest they would allow at my residential address that I have been living at for the last 10 years is only 1.5Mbps. What bothers me is that when we used to have Bellsouth DSL (before AT&T merger), we had the extreme speeds at 3.0Mbps and this was still in the same residential address. Why is it now that its AT&T, I can only have the Ultra speeds at 1.5Mbps and not the "Extreme?" Is AT&T changing the wirings or something since the merger? Could someone verify this? Could it be because our "home line" is still practically brand new - it was opened about two months ago.

3)
Back to my Clearwire situation, the rep told me that Clearwire will soon be switching over to WiMax Technology for their internet services - does anyone know if WiMax is better than DSL or Cable?

I read this and am not sure as I am in VA. I know there isnt that big of difference between your example in number 1, thats just a way to get you to stay and upgrade. No if you do some heavy data downloading it may be worth it.

All we have is Comcast in our area, I wish I could get the Verizon DSL or FIOS

[davidPS3]

What ever you do, stay away from signing a long term contact. One year may not be that bad, but two years, no way. Wait for or look for some better deals, they are out there.

[jdc115]

Originally Posted by vladittude0583

Hey guys, I have several questions that hopefully some of you can answer.

1)
My current internet (Clearwire) service allows for 1.5Mbps max download speed and they are offering me a special to upgrade to 2.0Mbps for the same price that I am currently paying for the 1.5Mbps. However, I must agree to extend my contract for another two years. Anyhow, is 0.5Mbps really that much of a significance?

2)
I am looking to switch from Clearwire to AT&T DSL and would like to go for their "Extreme" DSL editions which can either be 3.0Mbps or 6.0Mbps download speeds depending on how much I want to pay. Anyways, when I did AT&T's "availability" in my area search engine, the fastest they would allow at my residential address that I have been living at for the last 10 years is only 1.5Mbps. What bothers me is that when we used to have Bellsouth DSL (before AT&T merger), we had the extreme speeds at 3.0Mbps and this was still in the same residential address. Why is it now that its AT&T, I can only have the Ultra speeds at 1.5Mbps and not the "Extreme?" Is AT&T changing the wirings or something since the merger? Could someone verify this? Could it be because our "home line" is still practically brand new - it was opened about two months ago.

3)
Back to my Clearwire situation, the rep told me that Clearwire will soon be switching over to WiMax Technology for their internet services - does anyone know if WiMax is better than DSL or Cable?

There is not much difference between 1.5 and 2, I wouldn't upgrade for the same price if it meant extending the contract. Maybe if they lowered the price.

It is sort of sad what they call "extreme". I just signed a new contract, went from 6Mbs to 12Mbs and dropped the price by $12/mth as I signed for 2 years. The US is really falling behind on residential speeds, 10Mbs and above are pretty standard in japan/Korea/Singapore, etc.

I can not comment on WiMax, not had a chance to use it yet

[mfanelli81]

I have At&t/bellsouth DSL (extreme 3 mbs) and it sucks......very slow I just actually switched to brighthouse (cable 10 mbs)....same price they hook it up on the 26th.......my 2 cents....

[Marquoz]

Wow, where I live 10 Mbps is the middle level of speed. I think 3 is the lowest they offer, and 16 is the highest. I don't see the point in 16 because 10 is more then fast enough for me, and I don't download files that big that it justifies me wasting the money.

[Branden]

1) as far as browsing goes you won't notice any diference between 1.5 and 2mbps, but for downloading large files it may be noticable enough to like it. you may want to also ask if upload speed is also increased.
2) the speeds your ISP give you has nothing to do with technical limitations, just speed caps. DSL can reach 10mbps, ADSL can reach ~25, cable can reach ~30. (my cable ISP offers up to 25, but i only go for the 10)
3) wimax is wireless, that in itself is reason enough to stay away (imo). but with that said wimax can theoretically reach 70mbps (assuming your home is directly beside their antenna, and don't forget they'll just cap you anyways)

[actionhank]

screw dsl. If you want fast, look for a cable provider or verizon fios

and check this website out, to test your speed.
http://www.speedtest.net/

i have 6633kbps

[snoborder351]

I second the motion, look for Cable internet!!! I had dsl for a short time and cable blows it away. It is defientetly worth the extra money if you are online a lot.

Just did the speed test thing too and I'm shocked at how fast my connection is. But then again there is a Comcast server about 1/4 mile from my apartment