Making the Switch: Dial-Up to Broadband

If you're still using a dial-up internet connection, you're not alone. As of early 2006, roughly 40 percent of American internet users are still on dial-up. But that number is falling fast, and for good reason. Broadband internet is faster, more convenient, and increasingly affordable. If you've been putting off the switch, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Upgrade?

The difference between dial-up and broadband isn't just about speed numbers on a spec sheet — it changes how you use the internet. Here's what you gain:

Speed. A typical dial-up connection runs at 56 Kbps (kilobits per second). A basic broadband connection starts at about 768 Kbps and commonly goes up to 6 Mbps. That's roughly 14 to 100 times faster than dial-up. Web pages that take 30 seconds to load on dial-up appear almost instantly on broadband.

Always-on connection. With dial-up, you have to connect each time you want to go online, and you might get busy signals. Broadband is always connected. Turn on your computer, open your browser, and you're on the internet.

Free phone line. Dial-up ties up your phone line. With broadband, you can make calls and be online at the same time. No more choosing between the internet and the telephone.

Better content. Many websites now assume visitors have broadband. Streaming audio, web video, and rich interactive sites are designed for faster connections. On dial-up, much of today's web is frustratingly slow or unusable.

Your Two Main Options: DSL and Cable

For most Americans, the two broadband choices are DSL and cable internet. Here's how they compare in 2006:

DSL Internet

DSL runs over your existing phone line. It's offered by your local telephone company — companies like AT&T (formerly SBC), Verizon, BellSouth, and Qwest.

• Typical speeds: 768 Kbps to 6 Mbps download, 128 to 768 Kbps upload
• Typical price: $15 to $35 per month (introductory offers as low as $12.99)
• Pros: Dedicated connection not shared with neighbors; uses existing phone wiring; often cheaper than cable
• Cons: Speed depends on distance from phone company's central office; maximum speeds lower than cable; not available in some rural areas

Cable Internet

Cable internet runs over the same coaxial cable that delivers cable television. It's offered by your local cable company — Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Cox, Charter, and others.

• Typical speeds: 3 to 8 Mbps download, 256 Kbps to 1 Mbps upload
• Typical price: $30 to $50 per month (bundles with cable TV may be cheaper)
• Pros: Generally faster than DSL; speed doesn't depend on distance from a central office
• Cons: Shared bandwidth with neighbors can cause slowdowns during peak hours; requires cable TV infrastructure; typically more expensive

For a deeper comparison of these technologies, see our article on cable internet vs DSL.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Switch

1. Check What's Available

Start by checking which broadband providers serve your address. You can call your phone company and cable company directly, or use an online availability checker. Not all addresses can get both DSL and cable — especially in rural areas, where you might only have one option or none at all.

2. Compare Plans and Prices

Once you know which providers are available, compare their plans. Look at:

• Monthly price (watch for introductory rates that expire after 6 or 12 months)
• Download and upload speeds
• Contract requirements (some providers require a 1-year commitment)
• Installation fees (many providers waive these with a new subscription)
• Equipment costs (modem rental vs. purchase)

3. Place Your Order

You can usually sign up online or by phone. Choose self-installation if you're comfortable with basic setup — it's cheaper and faster. Otherwise, schedule a professional installation visit, which typically costs $50 to $100.

4. Install Your Equipment

If you ordered self-installation, your provider will ship a modem and any necessary accessories. For DSL, this includes the modem and microfilters for your phone jacks. For cable, you'll get a cable modem.

The basic setup is straightforward: connect the modem to the appropriate wall jack (phone jack for DSL, coaxial outlet for cable), then connect the modem to your computer with an Ethernet cable. Follow the provider's activation instructions, which usually involve running a setup CD or visiting an activation website.

5. Cancel Your Dial-Up

Once your broadband connection is working, don't forget to cancel your dial-up service. Call your dial-up provider and request cancellation. If you're under contract, ask about any early termination fees.

What About Your Email?

If you've been using an email address from your dial-up provider (like @aol.com or @earthlink.net), you'll want to plan for the transition. Many dial-up providers will let you keep your email address for a reduced monthly fee after you cancel internet service. Alternatively, you can switch to a free web-based email service like Gmail, Yahoo Mail, or Hotmail.

Make sure to notify your contacts about any email address change before you cancel.

Do You Need a Router?

If you have more than one computer in your home, you'll want a router. A router lets you share your broadband connection among multiple computers. Basic wired routers cost $30 to $50, and wireless routers (which let you connect laptops without cables) run $50 to $100.

Many broadband providers now offer combination modem-routers, sometimes called gateways, which simplify the setup.

What If Broadband Isn't Available?

If neither DSL nor cable internet is available at your address, you still have options — though they're more limited:

• Satellite internet services like WildBlue and HughesNet work anywhere with a clear view of the sky, but they're more expensive and have higher latency
• Fixed wireless is available in some areas, using a small antenna mounted on your home
• Some cellular carriers offer broadband-like speeds through EVDO data cards, though data caps are tight

For rural areas, satellite is often the most realistic broadband alternative. It's not as fast or responsive as DSL or cable, but it's a significant upgrade from dial-up.

Making the Transition

The switch from dial-up to broadband is one of the best technology upgrades you can make in 2006. The internet that you've been patiently waiting to load on dial-up comes alive on a broadband connection. Websites load instantly, email attachments download in seconds rather than minutes, and you can actually watch video clips without buffering every few seconds.

If cost has been holding you back, look for promotional rates — many providers offer broadband for under $20 per month for the first year, which is comparable to what many people pay for dial-up. The speed difference alone makes broadband well worth the cost.