Compare DSL and cable internet options to see which suits your needs best.
Compare DSL and cable internet options to see which suits your needs best.
I’m considering my options for internet service in my new apartment. Since I mainly play online games and stream a bit, plus I often watch 4K content from services like Amazon Prime and Netflix, I’m curious about DSL versus cable. My local providers are CenturyLink DSL or Cox Communications cable. CenturyLink claims up to 100 Mbps down and 10 Mbps up over DSL because of a fiber node outside the building. They charge $55 a month for life. I’ve never used DSL before, so I’m wondering if it can actually reach that speed now. At my current location, they have a fiber connection nearby, which is something I’d miss. Cox offers speeds from 30 Mbps down to 1000 down and 35 up. My last experience was paying for 150 Mbps down but only getting 3-7 Mbps after 7 PM until the next morning. I’m concerned that similar issues might happen at my apartment complex, especially with everyone needing high-speed internet in the evenings.
It varies based on how far your connection is from the node, but generally it does. The ISP outlines its different VDSL plans accurately, though for instance the 200mbps rate on the V-Plus one at 0.3/0.4 km might drop below 200 as it nears the upper limit. Broadband performance refers to how quickly data travels in both directions on your line, measured in Megabits per second (Mb/s). The overall speed of all broadband options mainly depends on the length of your telephone line. Ultima V-Plus Broadband offers downloads up to 200Mbps and uploads up to 20Mbps. It’s offered at certain spots around the island, and your line should be about 0.4KM or shorter. Ultima Plus Broadband provides speeds of up to 100Mbps going down and up to 10Mbps coming in. This service works on lines under 1KM. Ultima Broadband supports speeds reaching 40Mbps going down and 2Mb/s coming out. It’s accessible on lines under 2.5KM.
CenturyLink confirmed a fiber connection beyond my building, suggesting 100 Mbps would work. Cox has effectively highlighted how slow DSL remains in Omaha.
It seems you're likely near the fiber node, making 100mbps over copper feasible. Your signal strength drops to 70-80mbps at your closest cabinet, with a maximum of 20mbps going up, which is the top speed available via VDSL in your area.
It also relies on the condition of your connection from the node, which might not always be great, so that should be considered too. However, you should still manage to obtain a fairly solid result. Remember they could also limit your speed, similar to the Cox case.
I believe Cox slowed me down because of the traffic from sharing the connection with my neighbors. I assumed DSL would offer a more reliable speed during busy periods since I wouldn’t share it like I do with Cox. Still, Cox might have addressed the problem, though I’m very unlikely to believe it.
It really varies based on your provider and any network conflicts nearby.
Even though I don’t like Comcast, they seem like a better choice. CenturyLink often doesn’t reach advertised speeds and the service isn’t reliable. The only real advantage is their fiber connection, which works well. Overall, you’d likely get a faster connection with Comcast. That’s my recommendation.
Comcast isn't accessible here. Available options are Cox Communications and CenturyLink.
They depend on the outdated copper system set up in the 1960s, with no plans to modernize it, as confirmed by their own staff. In contrast, CenturyLink offers fiber connectivity across all their locations and a dedicated phone line for the final segment.