“High speed” or “broadband” Internet service — two interchangeable terms that describe something (most folks aren’t sure exactly what) that Internet users, persuaded by persistent advertising, have become convinced they need. When it comes to the Internet, “bandwidth” relates roughly to how many simultaneous signals of varying frequency can be handled by a single connection. In practical terms, this translates into speed. “Narrow” bandwidth means slow. “Broad” bandwidth means fast. Naturally, we prefer fast Internet connections.
Broadband Internet connections (or, in geekspeak, “fat pipes”) come in various packages, but to most consumers, there’s not much in the way of choice. While “narrowband” dial-up users (with modems that actually dial a phone number) have scores of providers from which to pick, broadband customers have only a handful of choices. Cable Internet comes from your local cable TV company, and DSL (digital subscriber line) comes from your local phone company. Many areas of rural Norman cannot get cable or DSL Internet, and broadband Internet service options are few.
Broadband Internet options to rural Normanites who cannot get cable or DSL can also be some of the most expensive. Basic satellite Internet service from Direcway costs $600 in up-front equipment and installation costs, and $60 per month thereafter. Prices are steep because demand is low, and, while connection speeds are not “super fast” as advertised, they’re still infinitely faster than dial-up. I know several people that use Direcway’s service, and they like it.
Depending on the location, many rural Normanites may be able to get broadband service from a small local company called UnPlugUSA. They offer a wireless service that covers all of urban Norman, and much of the rural area as well. Call Jeff or Dewain at 231-4362, and ask for a connectivity test. At $35 per month, the price isn’t too high, and service and support are good.
Cox Cable Internet service offers the “fattest pipes” in town. For the typical Internet user, this is as fast as it gets. $40 per month isn’t exactly cheap, but if you’ve really got the need for speed, this is where to go. In years past, I could only rate their service and support as “inconsistent,” although they seem to have improved over the past year or two.
However, the hands-down, best broadband deal in town has got to be basic DSL service from Southwestern Bell. It was a good deal last year at $30. Then, they dropped the price to $25. Currently at $15 per month, SBC’s service is aggressively competitive. The catch is that they require a one year commitment, at which time the price goes up to their “then-current monthly rate,” which they refuse to predict, but is “currently” around $45. However, I know one savvy elderly gentleman who, after his one-year trial period had expired, was able to haggle SBC into keeping his price the same. Power to the hagglers!