What is the reality?



  • Ok, I know I've touched on this in a previous post...but I was really thinking about it and this is very disconcerting.

    I was wondering about the US and how many people actually have "high-speed" internet access.

    I know, I know. I've heard all the trumped-up statistics about how the "majority of people in the US now use DSL" and there is a "growing trend to going all-wireless".

    That sounds nice on paper. And it makes me feel good about the US and its place in the world...you know, all warm-and-fuzzy. But is that really the case?

    Most people center their arguments around how their businesses...their jobs...and their workplace has "high-speed" internet access. Well, no duh. Most businesses do have a decent internet connection. That's all fine and dandy. But what about the home user? That's what I'm questioning.

    Most of the people I know...tech and non-tech...still use dial-up...or just recently started using DSL. And as far as those who have gone "wireless"...well, I only know one person who has it...and that's because their university has them enrolled in some sort of "beta-trial" program.

    Have you ever noticed how many 56K modems still line the store shelves?

    Personally, I started using DSL for the first time...this year. Frankly, it was an economic decision. Prior to this year, there was no way I could justify, nor afford $50+/month for a DSL subscription. Now I am making more $$$ so I can afford it.

    Doesn't it make you wonder about the US compared to other countries? Is it just propaganda to say that the US is so technologically advanced when the country is still slowly moving away from dial-up? That kind of bothers me.



  • They still make Packard Hell machines?  Or are you referring to Compaq/HPs?




  • I've had aDSL from Cincinnati Bell since 1999.



  • I've used straight dial-up from 1996-2004. And I've had DSL since 2005.

    You could say that I've used dial-up since 1992, but that was a different era, which I do not want to confuse with the today's modern ISP age.


Log in to reply