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 |  | Cable Modem: $40-$90 |  | Cable Modem/Router Combination: $80-$200 |
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A cable modem provides internet access to home or business computers via a cable television line. Cable modems generally are capable of faster speeds than DSL or dial-up modems. Most cable modems are external, although rare internal modems are available.
Typical costs: |
- A cable modem costs $40-$90. For example, Circuit City, an online-only retailer, sells the standalone Motorola SURFboard SB5105[1] cable modem for $60.
- Some cable modems are combination devices with routers, which create a wireless network. These devices cost $80-$200. The more expensive units allow for faster rates of transfer. Amazon, for example, sells the Motorola SURFboard SBG900 DOCSIS 2.0[2] cable modem and router combo for $120.
- Some internet service providers sell cable modems and provide them with installation of the DSL service. These modems range from $50-$150. AT&T[3] sells cable modems for $75-$100 with their service.
Related articles: DSL Modem, Internet Security Software, Internet Access
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What should be included: |
- In the box with a cable modem should be a power supply, a cable cord, a software CD, and an owner's manual.
Additional costs: |
- Cable internet service costs vary depending on speed. Residential and business service costs $30-$160 per month, on average, across the country. The higher end of the price range is for faster transfer speeds. Nationwide internet service providers include AT&T[4] , Comcast[5] , Verizon[6] , Time-Warner Cable and Charter Communications[7] .
- To create a wireless network in a home or office, a wireless router is required. Individual routers cost $20-$180 depending on the signal strength it creates. Amazon[8] sells a range of routers for both business and residential needs.
- While customers can save by installing modems themselves, some internet service providers can send technicians to install the devices. AT&T[9] , for example, charges $140 to install a cable modem.
Discounts: |
- Internet service providers regularly offer discount prices on internet service bundled with other services such as phone or cable television. Qwest[10] has high-speed internet service starting at $15 per month when it is packed with phone service.
- Verizon[11] provides a free cable modem to customers who sign up for the cable internet service. While the modem is free, there is a $20 fee to ship the device.
Shopping for a cable modem: |
- PC Magazine provides a comprehensive networking guide for consumers[12] , both business and residential.
- Top Ten Reviews provides a comparison guide of top-selling cable modems[13] and routers[14] .
- Fry's Electronics[15] , with stores in nine Western and Midwestern states, has regular deals on networking products.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
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External Resources: |
- www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5023671&CatId=...
- www.amazon.com/Motorola-SURFboard-SBG900-Wireless-ModemGateway/dp/B0001MQSB2/
- www.att.com/smallbusiness/internet/internet.jsp?prodType=hsi
- www.att.com/smallbusiness/internet/internet.jsp?prodType=hsi
- /www.comcast.com/localization/localize.cspx?Referer=%2fshop%2fbuyflow2%2fproducts....
- www22.verizon.com/home/highspeedinternet/
- www.buycharter.com/internet.aspx
- www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_15?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords...
- www.att.com/smallbusiness/internet/internet.jsp?prodType=hsi
- www.centurylink.com/home/internet/
- www22.verizon.com/home/highspeedinternet/
- www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1159496,00.asp
- cable-modem-review.toptenreviews.com
- wireless-router-review.toptenreviews.com/
- www.frys.com/search?plusearch=2596781%202871304%203321502%203805567%203922738%2039...
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