Cable Internet uses the cable TV network to give you broadband Internet access. This means that your telephone line is kept free, so you can use the Internet and the phone at the same time. In fact, unlike DSL, you do not even have to have a telephone line to subscribe to cable broadband.
Cable broadband can offer tremendously high download speeds of up to 4 Mbps - over 70 times faster than the traditional dial up service. The two main companies offering cable broadband connection in the UK are NTL and Telewest BlueYonder.
Pros
- Cable does not tie up your phone line whilst you are on the Internet.
- 'Always on' connection - no need to wait to connect to the Internet.
- Cable broadband connections can be cheaper than other ADSL.
- Once subscribed to a cable service, you will have access to other facilities, such as pay TV.
Cons
- Cable service is not available everywhere - the cable must physically run past your home for you to be able to use this service.
- It may be difficult to get cable installed in multi-tenant building.
