How to get cable internet when I already have DSL

[gtgm_110]

That's a vague question so let me explain what I mean. I have AT&T DSL at my home and have had it for years. Their services and products have caused me too much time and money (as with most people in my area) and I want to upgrade to the faster and cheaper cable TV & Internet package available in my area.

My question is: what all will need to be done physically in order to switch services? I know they'll install a new router, but do they have to run new wires into my house? If so, what kinds? Will the wires from AT&T have to be removed first?

What is the standard process that a technician will come out and do to get it to work? I'm going to call the cable company in a few days to get more specifics when I have time, but I figured I'd ask here in the meantime. Thanks!

 

[Wolfshadw]

AT&T DSL is run over your telephone lines (unless they've changed something in the decade or so since I had them). Cable Internet is run over your existing cable coaxial line. The incoming tech likely won't even touch your DSL line except to move the Ethernet cable from the DSL modem to the new cable modem.

-Wolf sends

 

[BuddhaSkoota]

Do you have existing coax (cable TV outlets) throughout your home? The modem will need to be placed near one of these outlets.

Otherwise, no new cable is required. The tech will probably check the signal at the outdoor service box, and will more than likely be required to install the modem inside. For Internet service only, you should expect install to take roughly an hour; more if extra work is required.

 

[digitaldoc]

DSL goes through the old fashioned copper phone lines. This connects to a DSL modem in the house.

Some years back, I was exactly in your situation, and had no existing cable line to the house. The cable tech had to come out, and run a line from the street to the house. This then had to go through a new hole that had to be drilled into the house, and then run in my basement to where I wanted my cable modem. There were also additional wires run for the video service. This whole process took about 2 hours, but the higher speeds and reliability compared to DSL was definitely worth it.

They will not remove the wires from ATT.

 

[gtgm_110]

DSL goes through the old fashioned copper phone lines. This connects to a DSL modem in the house.

Some years back, I was exactly in your situation, and had no existing cable line to the house. The cable tech had to come out, and run a line from the street to the house. This then had to go through a new hole that had to be drilled into the house, and then run in my basement to where I wanted my cable modem. There were also additional wires run for the video service. This whole process took about 2 hours, but the higher speeds and reliability compared to DSL was definitely worth it.

They will not remove the wires from ATT.

Thank you! That's what I was hoping to hear as I'm getting sick of AT&T. A few hours is a small price to pay for better internet. Oh, and thanks to the other answer-ers as well!