For everyone’s complaints about broadband cable, one thing is clear; Broadband is fast. Broadband cable may not be the most reliable service and there customer service reps are quick draw on sending a technician out with little working knowledge of their product; or offering little knowledge up for the customer. And the cable guy can be even worse than the Jim Carey variety with their power hungry need to control the service and how long they take in installing service all across the board. But cable is quick. When it’s working and it’s up, there’s nothing like it. So let’s investigate a little further and see what we can’t turn up.

First of all broadband cable modem internet subscribers are typically charged for service on their cable bill, rather than paying the ISP directly. This may confuse some, but fear not. The service is usually marketed under names like Road Runner, but the cable company and ISP have distinct responsibilities.

Your local cable company is responsible for installing the cable modem and managing the quality of your service over the local cable network. At the cable company's main network office, you're connected to the cable ISP's national backbone. It, in turn, is plugged into the Internet. The ISP actually provides the Internet connectivity, while your cable company will provide basic technical support. Who do you talk to when there's a problem? Chances are that your cable company will direct you to your ISP. This can be a little disheartening and gets us back to the original claim that ISP cable guys are no different than their predecessors who’d offer you free services like they were candy.

Cable modem internet service are moderately priced, which covers the cable modem rental fee; unlimited Internet access; and Internet application software, such as a Web browser and e-mail applications. Cable modem service installation fees usually cover cable wiring, an Ethernet card for your computer, and software configuration.

Cable modem service availability is still relatively limited. That's because cable companies must first upgrade their networks by installing fiber-optic lines and two-way data-transmission capabilities -- a time-consuming, expensive undertaking.

While you may be looking for the best broadband cable modems or the cheaper options from places like Atlantic, Charter or AT&T, you may just need to find the only broadband cable in your area.

Broadband cable and DSL from a single service provider is the discussion to have once you’ve had that other important discussion of cable vs. DSL.