Understand The Cable Internet Plans For The Subscribers

Alright, so you want to get a good cable Internet deal since you heard it is the most reliable option. You don't know why and you don't know what to choose. As a newbie, it is imperative to know what you actually involve with, otherwise the expectations may be a bit above the reality. Cable high-speed Internet providers come up with a wired connection, which is very stable and at an affordable price. It is by far the most popular option today mostly because cable Internet plans come with the best rapport for price and quality.

When it comes to picking one of the wide variety of cable Internet plans, things get a little complicated. Each of them seems to be the best if you only read the ads and discuss with their customer service representatives, therefore you will need recommendations and opinions from your friends. But this job only steps in later. For now, you need to understand how to "read" the cable Internet plans before getting to know which one is the best for you. First of all, you will be prompted with the speed. Normally, you will be given a maximum speed, but never expect to reach it. Most likely, the speed you will get to is about 7 to 10 times smaller than the maximum one. Therefore, 50 MB/s in the ads and brochures means about 5 MB/s in reality. Is this good? Normally, it is. With 5 MB/s, you can basically download a song in a few seconds. If you found a free movie, you can get it within 5 minutes. It is a good speed, even the advanced users would be happy with.

So now that you got the speed, what is the bandwidth in the cable high-speed Internet plans? Sometimes, the bandwidth is referred to as traffic. That is the maximum amount of data you can download or upload during a month. Keep in mind that even navigating the web "eats" some of your traffic, but in insignificant quantities. A reliable cable Internet provider will give up unlimited bandwidth for any plan. Even when the bandwidth is limited, in most cases you will only lose some of your speed for the remaining days until payment. So you will still be able to use the Internet.

These are the most important aspects you have to check in cable Internet deals. Of course, the price is a very important impediment, but you should be able to understand it without too many problems. Among other offers willing to convince you to sign up, you will be given with a free installation and modem. To make things clear, these aspects are free for almost every cable Internet provider, so don't let them impress you.

As for other cable Internet deals, the features differ from one company to another. Some may give you one free e-mail, while others may prompt you with free access to various games and music. However, don't let yourself convinced by these insignificant features, what really matters for your cable Internet connection is a decent speed and a good bandwidth to cover your needs.

How To Overcome The Disadvantages of Cable Internet Plans?

They may currently be the most reliable and advantageous option on the market, yet the cable Internet plans come with some disadvantages too. Compared to other options you may have, these disadvantages are not that big, yet they may influence you in taking a decision. However, both the benefits and drawbacks of particular cable Internet deals depend on what plan you got precisely and on how it can fit your needs.

First of all, no matter how affordable they are, the cable high-speed Internet plans are a lot more expensive than other options. Of course, you got a good quality for your money, but not everyone can afford to pay for this quality. A dial-up connection is usually a lot cheaper. Besides that, someone who only uses chat programs to keep in touch with friends or to check e-mails once in a while will not really find too much use for a cable Internet provider. Basically, such users get exactly the same service for a way higher price. It is true that a dial-up connection may take over an hour to download a song, but this is not a problem for these users.

Cable high-speed Internet providers are not like mixed shops. You can't find them everywhere, therefore your options are quite limited. Normally, you shouldn't have more than just a few cable Internet companies in your area. Small cities barely have one, while some villages in the rural side have none. This means you don't really have too many options to choose from. Before making an investment, you want to do some research, check the market, compare the prices and offers and so on. With so "many" options for cable Internet deals, the good part is that you won't have to spend too much time.

Installation may also be an issue. You decide on your cable high-speed Internet provider, go there and sign a contract, then you get back home and wait. Sometimes you might wait for days, while other times for weeks. You need a representative from the technical department to come to you and wire you up. Cable Internet cannot be installed on your own, unlike other options. For instance, a portable modem stick gets you online as soon as you plug it into your computer. Even a dial-up plan is faster. All you need is a modem and you can start dialing. The installation may also bring a few holes in your house. You might have to get some drilling done in order for the cable Internet to get inside and then to the room you want. There is also the security risk with cable Internet deals. You will have to install a personal firewall in order to safely stay online. And this is it.

Are all these drawbacks worth your decision related to cable Internet plans? Normally, you may think they are since after all, if you take a closer look, they are not that bad. Each of them can be successfully solved with patience and a little education related to your new Internet experience. Once you get these, you can call your cable Internet provider.

Choosing the Right Router for Your Cable Internet Plans

Cable high-speed internet plans provide a single connection for your home. If you want more connections, that is not a problem at all, but obviously you will have to pay extra money. Such situations usually occur when you have more than one computer in your home that needs a cable Internet connection. Whether you have a family or a roommate, ideally you should share the connection, rather than just interfering one with each other and getting conflicts over the Internet.

For all these situations, the routers are the perfect solution. A router is a device used to "split" the cable Internet connection in more directions. In order to choose the right device, you need to know first how it works. The cable Internet goes in the router, while at least two other cables go from the router to the computers. In order to start your search, you must first ask yourself how many computers you will have to connect. Each model has more "outs", but the most common ones come with 4 of them, which is normally enough.

Once you install the router - normally in the middle of your house - it is time to set it up. You will get a CD or a DVD with the software and a manual of instructions or just a read-me file to follow some steps. The cable Internet connection should have no problems going through the router, since the configuration is very easy and can be done within minutes. Once you got it all ready, get some extra wires and connect the other computers as well. The router will not affect your cable Internet connection. The only problem you may consider is sharing the connection. If two of your roommates download a game for instance at the same time, the overall download speed will obviously be smaller.

If you own more laptops than desktops in your house, then perhaps you should split your cable Internet connection with a wireless router. A wireless router is similar to a regular one, just that you won't have to bother with cable Internet wires going out from the router to the other computers. Everything is done wireless, therefore your cable Internet connection is up wherever you decide to place your laptop. Make sure you protect your router with a password, to avoid intruders. Obviously the signal will go farther than your home. Also, place the router in an open area, not under your desk.

Before opting for a router, make sure you contact your cable high-speed Internet provider. Although such cases are very rare, there are cable Internet plans that precisely forbid routers through their contracts. Finding such a device may lead to a suspension of your service or a fee.

As long as you ask your cable high-speed Internet provider if you are allowed first or you just check the contract from the first to the last paragraph, a router shouldn't give you too much headache. It is easy to install, fast to set up, provides the same service and you also lose some of the cable Internet wires in your home if it is wireless.

Basic Cable Internet Plans - What Can They Offer You?

Most Internet providers are able to come with multiple cable high-speed Internet plans for their customers. The idea of this diversity is to be able to provide precisely what the customers need. You usually have at least two cable Internet deals to choose from. Let's see what you can get for the minimum one, usually referred to as the basic plan, and what you can use it for.

Most basic cable high-speed Internet plans give you a decent speed of up to a few MB/s. For some of them, the traffic is unlimited, while others provide you with a few free GB. Once you run over the limit, your speed will drop, but you can still use the Internet. The modem and the installation are usually free. You will also be given a few extra cable Internet, just in case you plan to change the location of your computer, but don't expect to receive a whole roll. Among other advantages, the provider also gives you free access to most of its features, such as online games, one or two free e-mail addresses and so on. These features differ from one cable Internet company to another. If you plan to get a TV contract too or a home phone, the fact that you already own a cable high-speed Internet plan will bring in extra advantages. In most cases, you can use the same cable, not to mention that you might take advantage of other offers as well, such as lower prices. Last, but not least, in order to attract new customers, many cable Internet companies offer from one to six months of free Internet. Basically, you only have to start paying after this period expires.

Such basic cable high-speed Internet plans sound perfect, but not for everyone. Then what can you use such a plan for? Well, since it is the basic plan, you can use it for basic needs. For instance, it is the most appropriate cable Internet deal if you want to stay online only to make new friends through various chat programs, chat with your colleagues or school mates or just read the press. If you use Internet to find out various information as well, in order to write a paper for school or work, you can consider it done too.

Even downloading your favorite music, a free movie or maybe a game, can be done with basic cable Internet deals. The speed is good enough to ensure you are done within minutes. Playing online shouldn't be a problem either. Therefore, sometimes even these basic cable Internet deals may be a bit too much for your needs, but you just can't get lower than that.

Overall, basic cable Internet plans are ideal for the individuals who don't use the Internet to work or live through it. Also, game or software testers may consider a better and more expensive plan, since such jobs imply a lot of downloads and overloaded networks. And let's not forget about the intense online gamers, who need one of those superior cable Internet plans in order to avoid lagging.

The Difference Between Cable Internet And T1 Internet Plans

Cable Internet plans currently rule the market, but according to the same market, you got plenty of options out there to choose from. There have never been more Internet offers for the customers. In most countries, the Internet first came from the cable or phone companies, but things evolved a lot since then. These days, some companies provide T1 Internet plans. But which of these two popular options is better for you? Obviously, each of them brings in both advantages and disadvantages. The cable Internet is more common mostly because it is easier to understand and if the mass has a plan, you obviously think there is something wrong about the other one.

Anyway, in order to make the difference between T1 Internet and cable Internet, you need to know precisely what each of them is about. Both the cable Internet and the T1 line are considered to be broadband lines. By definition, broadband includes any line that has the capacity to support speeds of over 200K. If you are an old Internet user and lived with the old dial-up plans too, they could support maximum 56K. Cable Internet is usually provided by the big companies. Their cable Internet plans vary, both in price and speed. On the other hand, a T1 connection is a fixed line between you and your provider. It maintains a constant speed of 1.544 MB/s, both for download and upload.

Advantages: Probably the most important advantage of the cable Internet deals is that you have to pay a low price. The price is affordable, therefore it is the most common option. Besides that, since you have more cable Internet plans, you can choose the most appropriate one for your needs. Don't forget about the connections, which are extremely easy to set up and to maintain. When it comes to the T1 lines, you top advantage is that you got your own connection. You don't share the line with anyone else. For this reason, you can forget about constant down times, due to weather or system updates of the provider.

Disadvantages: Both of these options bring in disadvantages as well. For instance, as you achieve one of the available cable Internet plans, you become part of a large network. This means you share the connection with all your neighbors. When the network gets overloaded, your speed drops. By being part of a network, it is also a lot easier for hackers to access your personal documents. It isn't however piece of cake and not anyone can do it, but obviously the security is lower compared to the T1 lines. The T1 lines are not perfect either. They are very expensive and unless you work on the Internet or you own a business, they are worthless. They also require a lot of maintenance operations and upgrades.

Now, which option is the best for you? Only you can tell. It depends on what you actually need the Internet for and of course, on your available budget. By comparing the advantages and disadvantages, it is not hard to figure out why most people prefer the cable Internet deals.

How To Solve Constant Problems for Cable Internet Plans?

Nothing is perfect, not even the most advanced and premium cable Internet plans. No matter how expensive, powerful and fast they are, even the most reliable cable Internet deals will still have some problems once in a while, but that is completely normal. All the problems you may encounter are related to the down times. Down times are a constant problem for any Internet connection and at some moment or another, they do occur. But let's see what factors cause these problems and how you can make the whole experience less "painful".

First of all, your biggest enemies are the bad weather and the extreme weather conditions. Normally, for a stable connection, nothing should count. However, snowstorms for example can easily cause down times while they last. The same goes for aggressive regular storms with electric discharges. They may not affect your cable high-speed Internet, but your provider will definitely get some minor problems. Even winds may cause problems. The wires around your neighborhood keep balancing, while the antennas supporting the signal at your provider's office may encounter problems. Basically, the weather conditions that can turn a good day into a bad day reflect on your cable Internet connection as well. It is useless to mention that even more aggressive weather conditions, such as tornadoes or hurricanes, will definitely cause a long downtime. Regular down times don't last too much. Sometimes they are temporary and you get the signal back before the storm even ends, while other times you have to wait for a few hours until you can get back online.

Aside from the weather conditions, your cable Internet plan may also encounter provider problems. Such problems are very varied and they don't affect your cable Internet directly, but your provider. Technical problems are normal, especially if you got a big provider with plenty of customers. Again, they are usually temporary. Such problems may also affect your cable Internet if the technical department finds them on the field. For instance, cables can always fall from the pillars on the street due to accidents or anything alike.

Down times for your cable Internet plan are also "provoked" by a better service. When upgrading to a better service, whether it affects the cables on pillars or the provider's office, your cable Internet may experience down times. However, they usually don't last more than just a few hours and once your connection is back, at least you know you got a better service.

Most of the problems that cable high-speed Internet deals get are usually solved automatically by the provider, but there are also cases when you have to take action. For example, if your cable Internet has no signal for more than just a few hours, you may want to give them a call and report the problem. You will be normally told why the problem occurred and whether it will be fixed within minutes or hours. Therefore, cable Internet plans do have some disadvantages, no matter how stable they may seem, but the good part is that everything can be solved.

Prepaid Cell Phone Plans - 3 Practical Reasons To Switch

Cell phones have become so much a part of our lives that we simply cannot go without it anymore. It's so much more than a phone. It's about communication and about staying in touch with people on the move. With the latest gadgets and technologies its also become little entertainment centers and we can do anything from surfing the web to checking emails and even watching TV on our cellular phones. While there is so much you could do on your phone, the real question is what you actually do on it and what you really need it for.

So much of the sales strategies of cell phone companies are based on the latest and greatest gadgets. For the most part people seldom use all these "features" that you end up paying for - without even knowing about it.

When it comes to paying for your cell phone you basically have two options. You can either get a contract or you can go pre-paid. Both have heir advantages and disadvantages but I believe that pre-pay is a great option for several reasons. Here are just 3 good reasons to drop your contract.

1. Contracts
One of the biggest problems with contracts is the fact that they can really lock you in. Most of them are a minimum of 12 months and some even go for as long as 24 months If you want to get out of it before this period is over then they hit you with penalty charges which is usually quite severe. With a prepaid cell phone there are no long term contracts. You pay for everything up front and there are no hidden charges to worry about.

2. Control Your Spending
Contract phones can easily lead to surprising phone bills - you know, the kind that makes your heart skip a beat. Although you get a set amount of minutes, going over that usually reverts you to a very high rate and it just keeps adding to your bill - without you even knowing until you see the bill.

3. The Phone
One of the great advantages of a contract is that you get a phone "for free" which means you do not have to pay for it out of pocket. In reality however, you are paying for it. The cost is just spread over your contract term. The truth is that you never really own it and its usually locked to a specific network. On a prepay you can use any phone and you own it outright from day one.

Exclusive: BSNL launches special 3G Combo Data Plans

State-owned telecom service provider BSNL has launched special 3G Combo Data plans for its postpaid and prepaid GSM mobile customers. Presently BSNL has introduced four 3G Combo data plans with monthly charges of Rs 300, Rs 500, Rs 1000 and Rs 2000 offering certain amount of free 3G data usage, free talk minutes, free SMS and free video calls. Plan details are as below.

Fixed Monthly Charges (Postpaid)RCV Amount (Prepaid)

Inclusive of STax

3G prepaid RCV validity is 30 days. The free minutes voice/video calls, SMSs  and data usage  offered  with plan  are to be  consumed within the validity period. No carry forward of unutilized freebies are allowed. Free data usage is available while national roaming also. However, free voice/video calls & SMSs are available from home network only. Other charges and usage beyond free limits will be as per normal call charges i.e. base voice plan under 3G service. In case of data plan the customers not purchasing data card from BSNL has to activate through FRC 120.

Plans effective from 1st Feb’11.