The Basics

1. How fast is it?
   First of all, don't overlook the 'up to' in the cable companies commercial. Usually you should expect anywhere between 500-1000 kBit/sec when downloading files from the Internet. Most of the time, this limit is just based on the speed of the Internet overall. The 'advertised' speed is usually based on the maximum throughput achievable by the modem itself. But there are many other factors affecting your speed.
   Another point: Upload speeds (the speed at which you are sending data) is usually quite a bit less. Count on 128 kBit/sec to 500 kBit/sec. Again, this will vary based on the configuration of your local system. Most cable modems can be remotely configured to limit upload and download speeds.
2. How can I get a cable modem?
   Ask your cable TV company. They will be able to tell you if the service is available in your area. Cable modem service has rolled out very quickly so more than likely you'll be able to find an ISP.
3. How much does it cost?
   $40-$50 per month appears to be the standard price for cable modem service in the U.S. . You may get a few dollars off if you buy your own modem (will cost you $100-$300 in most retail stores) or if you subscribe to cable TV at the same time.
4. Can I watch TV while I surf the Internet.
   Yes. But you will have to subscribe to cable TV separately. It is usually not included in your monthly cable modem service fee, even though you may see special offers for the combined package. Be careful when installing splitters. It is possible that additional splitters will reduce the signal strength to affect the cable modem. Ask you cable company for help. Even better, have them set everything up when they come to install the modem. (for details see: Splitting a cable line for TV and modem use
5. What are the alternatives to cable modem service?
   
   1. DSL is the closest 'non-cable' service offered in competition to cable. You can see a comparison of cable modems and DSL here.
   2. Then there is of course regular dialup modem access. The advantage of cable modems is not only speed. A cable modem will provide you with a permanent connection without the need to dialup every time you would like to browse the Internet.
   3. Another phone based technology is ISDN. ISDN is an older predecessor of DSL. It is usually now superceded by DSL and some of the fast dialup modems (56k..) approach its capability now without having to pay for it. ISDN usually provides 2 lines with 64 kBit/sec each. They can be bundled to obtain a total bandwidth of 128 kBit/sec.
   4. Satellite based Internet access is mostly an alternative for rural areas. It is usually more expensive than cable access and currently available systems require a phone modem to send data and use the satellite dish to receive data only
6. What is a one-way cable modem?
   A one way cable modem works similar to satellite systems as the cable modem is only used to receive data, while you will still need a regular phone modem to send data.These systems are often used by smaller or rural cable systems that don't want to spend all the money necessary to make the cable system two-way capable.
7. Do I need a new or a second cable TV line for cable modem service
   Usually not. The cable modem signal will run down the same wire as the cable TV signal. Actually, the cable modem signal will basically just require one TV channel to be set aside for it. Sometimes however, the old cable TV line may be damaged and needs to be replaced to provide a better signal quality. Cable modems require a better signal than TV.
8. Can I use a cable modem while traveling
   Short answer: No. Long answer: Click here.