Rates vary, but pricing is usually competitive with cable-modem subscription rates. The Windows 98 operating system includes additional features to ease the installation and use of an ADSL modem. Windows 98 Second Edition features native driver support for many broadband modems, and it makes more efficient use of high-bandwidth modems that use network cards. And PPP, the industry standard for remote access, provides your PC with greater flexibility when dialing and connecting to a remote access server. However, ADSL may become more widely available than cable modems because ADSL works through phone lines that already exist in most U.S. homes and businesses.
Connections provided by cable companies currently reach far fewer homes and businesses.
Additionally, cable modems provide Internet services over lines shared by multiple users, whereas ADSL uses your personal phone line to deliver Internet access exclusively to you. If everyone in your community logs on at the same time using cable modems, the cable's available bandwidth may decrease dramatically and Web downloads will take longer for all. With ADSL, you get uninterrupted, high-speed Internet access that's always available. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.