But the most popular, affordable and widely available are DSL and cable modems using the upgraded cable lines. When they work, both technologies are fast. Typically, phone and cable companies talk about delivering transmission speeds of up to 1.5 megabits per second more than 25 times as fast as the zippiest dial-up modem. And they are roughly comparable in price. Both can carry phone conversations simultaneously with Net access.
Cable can add digital television over the same lines.
Each has its champions. Just as each is poison to some people. Barbara Malone, for instance. A broadband connection has become de rigueur to her real estate business. She uses it to research, access home data, communicate and transmit photos of houses to potential clients as well as to read Slate s online commentary.