Most people are thinking should I get cable or should I get DSL? Well in reality there are many advantages to both plans. The same goes for Directv DSL among the many DSL providers. With so many choices it's best to start with the basics.

Cable Vs. DSL

For residential customers who have access to cable lines, a cable modem tends to be the fastest connection available, and it comes at the lowest price. A normal residential cable connection will cost anywhere from $44.99 and up. Recently Comcast of Michigan has announced its intention to enter the commercial business by offering commercial internet access for $99.95. This connection sports download speeds which are twice the speeds for residential cable.

Although cable is the industry leader when it comes to high speed internet connections. There are many unique advantages for obtaining DSL.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) offers digital connections with better online security. The way a cable connection works is that it taps into a cable network which is shared by your whole neighborhood. This cable network is fragile when it comes to hacking since there is a sharing of connections on the network. Recently Comcast (May 2002) was issued a cease and assist order after a whistleblower told the attorney general that Comcast was monitoring their clients. This is not very easy with a DSL connection since they are all unique digital connections. But, the drawbacks to DSL are clear. Number one it is more expensive. You will pay $49.99 a month for a high speed DSL connection, but it still won't be as fast as an cable connection. But if you don't have cable lines then DSL is the plan for you. But, remember you phone connection must have copper lines. Copper lines are the only supported DSL lines for most carriers. Direcway (through Directv is the only holdout). Direcway offers Satellite DSL for its customers through many resellers (including Directv).

A Closer Look at Directv DSL

Direct TV gives a viable alternative to cable and 56K dialup connections. With an award-winning gateway (modem), a static ISP address, unlimited DSL access (hours), and multiple connections (2, 1 USB and 1 Ethernet); Direct TV offers a complete ready-to-go package for DSL customers.

Directv charges $49.95 a month which is the standard for DSL connections.

Directv has a competitive offer for new customers. New customers can get Directv DSL for $29.95 a month for the first 3 months. The DSL installation kit is also included. Note: The Verizon Online DSL plan gives its customers one month free if they order online (July 2002) and they will provide the DSL installation kit free of charge.

The unique X-factors for Directv DSL are multiple connections - connect 2 computers, dial-up access availability (when you go on vacation - 60min/month +10cents/min thereafer) through a 1-800 number, free webspace (host pictures or a website), and a vast directory of access numbers. Also a strong brand name factors in, since it doesn't have to worry about the financial struggles of WorldCom and its internet subsidiaries. Among the top DSL providers, Directv definitely has the staying power.