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.
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.
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
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