[hieronymusN]

But where is the author getting his internet service from?

For instance, I live in Brooklyn, and the only reliable high-speed internet service is via Time Warner Cable. I currently get their WideBand service (50mbps down) bundled with basic cable and an VOIP phone I never use in a 12-month promotion. This costs me $118 p/mo. When that 12-month period was up I called to cancel stuff and they extended that promotion for another 12 months.

If I subscribed to just the internet service, it would cost me $95 p/mo and that's before the taxes and fees, so it would come to about the same I am paying now.

The only other player for internet service in my area is Clear 4G WiFi which is a joke when it comes to speed.

So basically, I'm stuck with cable for internet service, and through effective bundle pricing the missus can still watch Housewives of * on the big telly.

[mdda]

One thing that TWNYC doesn't readily admit to is that they have to allow other broadband providers access to their cable. If you insist on hearing about Earthlink rates (rather than the RCN(?) deal) they will probably 'fess up to something cheaper. Plus, the friendly cable guy will probably hook up 'over the air TV' via cable (no monthly - but all the TW paperwork will be done right and he'll have $20 in his pocket).

[hieronymusN]

Interesting... I used to get Earthlink over TWC cable but abandoned it to get TWC's WideBand service (had to switch to RoadRunner). Earthlink does not (or didn't at the time) have anything close to those speeds. Still, I've haggled TWC down before by trying to cancel services, won't hurt to try again.

[pmorici]

Clear 4G is a dream to setup though. No shady install guy and 4 to 8 hour window. You get a box in the mail next day and plug it in.

[jseliger]

Unfortunately, it's not a dream to use: http://jseliger.com/2008/02/25/another-public-service-announ... . Maybe things have improved since then.

BTW, like the OP, I have expensive Comcast service because I have no other effective choice, and they just sent me a box and let me set it up too.

[18pfsmt]

If you know you are going to use Comcast for a year or more, it is cheaper (or break-even) to buy your own modem. Amazon has the Motorola surfboards (SB6120 and SB6121) for $75 and $85, respectively (vs. $7/mo *12mo=$84).

[hieronymusN]

I have a Clear4G mobile box sitting right here next to my keyboard. I have this as a backup since my TWC connection completely crapped out for 3 days and I work remote. While it is easy to install (walk to BestBuy and purchase, turn on) I've found the speeds to be highly variable, sometimes losing bandwidth all together. I live in an area zoned for "Excellent coverage" so not sure what the issue is.

[mikeash]

Unfortunately, if you actually use it as the broadband connection they advertise, they'll throttle you so hard you might as well be on dialup.