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    AT&T Basic, Express, Pro High Speed Internet?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by latestgood, Dec 19, 2006.

  1. latestgood

    latestgood Notebook Consultant

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    Hello,

    I thought AT&T uses DSL. What I'm confused is how they can provide different internet speeds for DSL? I thought DSL have limited speed of 768k while cable can transfer up to 3mb. AT&T highest speed advertises that it can reach up to 6.5mb. How can AT&T provide different speeds with DSL? Also, does the speed boost actually make a difference?

    Thank you,
    Latestgood
     
    latestgood, Dec 19, 2006
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  2. iza

    iza Notebook Evangelist

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    DSL isn't limited to 768k; mine is 3mbps, and more than one place offers 6, there's usually 2 or 3 speeds to choose from. I have no idea how it works though.

    And yeah, the speed boost makes a big difference if you regularly download large/lots of files, like music, movies, etc; it's just a question of how much you're willing to pay.

    For regular browsing and gaming, the higher speeds won't make much difference.
     
    iza, Dec 19, 2006
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  3. Sykotic

    Sykotic Notebook Evangelist

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    Currently ATT DSL speeds for home users are 768k (basic) 1.5 (express) ,3.0 (pro) and 6.0 (elite). If all you do is check email and surf a basic or express will work fine, If you file trade or run a server then an upgrade to the pro or elite. Dont over buy bandwidth you dont need, save your money for other things. Also ATT requires a contract for thier service so you should plan ahead. A major misconception is that a 768k line will download at 768 kiloBYTES. A 768k is kiloBIT or about 80kiloBYTE/sec. It takes 8 BITS to equal 1 BYTE. Cable isnt much different in their services and prices are competitive.
    Verison FioS seems to be the way to go for extreme bandwidth junkies since they run fiber optic straight to your house, offering everything from phone, tv, ultra fast internet (20+Mbit) at a competitive bundled price. Expect more competition since each other is starting to cross over into each others respective original field. ie, att now offers sat tv, cable now offers phone, best in the end for the consumer. GL
     
    Sykotic, Dec 20, 2006
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  4. NetBrakr

    NetBrakr Notebook Deity

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    I agree with Sykotic, dont over buy bandwidth. I have At&t Basic, its perfect for me and my web used and saved some money as well. :D

    JC
     
    NetBrakr, Dec 20, 2006
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  5. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I have 1.5mbps Bellsouth DSL, its good.

    Its reliable, only lost it maybe three times since I signed up around early 2003.
     
    usapatriot, Dec 20, 2006
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