Replies

I install cable internet connections for a living, and have talked to many ex-dsl and satellite subscribers. Some folks like their dsl, especially gamers for whom the low latency is a big plus. Many folks like their satellite TV service and feel it is superior to cable, but I've never run into even one person who was happy with their satellite internet connection. High latency, high cost, geriatric upload speeds and download speeds that are often in the 200 kbps range are almost universal complaints.

Perhaps this is because I'm seeing a nonrepresentative sample of satellite customers. Afterall, they aren't going to cable because they're happy with what they've got, but I think it's more than that. I frequently switch satellite TV customers over to cable TV as well and I don't hear half the complaints from them. For the most part they were happy with their service but just thought we had a better promotion going on or they wanted to be able to hook up extra TV's without extra receivers or something similar. With the satellite internet customers they are always dissatisfied.

I have had cable internet for about 3 years, and I am satisfied with the cost and stability. However, I have NEVER been able to download anything faster than about 180kbps - even though various "speed tests" indicate the potential speed of the connection is much faster.

I got cable in my neighborhood when it was first offered (with presumably less traffic), but the download speed has never changed - so it doesn't seem that traffic demands are the problem. As an installer, do you (or any other Freepers) have any suggestions for improving download speeds? Thanks!