Wired

Wired broadband technologies are used to provide the lion's share of broadband connectivity in West Virginia and the United States.  Wired high-speed Internet technologies fall into two categories -- existing and emerging.

Existing:

T1: The T1 (or T-1) carrier is widely available and a highly used high-speed Internet connection in the United States, particularly by businesses. TI lines carry signals at an overall rate of 1.544 million bits per second (Mbps). lines are rather expensive when compared to DSL or cable broadband.  Generally, T1 lines cost hundreds of dollars a month.

CABLE: Cable-based Internet connection systems are provided over cable systems and are a shared environment. Cable networks use standard coaxial wire, capable of carrying data at speeds, generally, of up to 1-3 Mbps. New technologies promised to greater enhance the speed of cabel broadband systems. Cable broadband service generally costs $40 to $100 a month.

DSL (Digital Subscriber Loop): DSL is a high-capacity connection to the Internet that uses existing telephone wires without interfering with your telephone service. A DSL line can carry continuously both data and traditional telephone voice signals, which eliminates the need for a separate dial-up telephone line. Though DSL connections must be within a specified distance (a few miles) of a phone company switching office, newer technologies are extending DSL's range. Connectivity of up to 1.5 Mbps is easily achievable with DSL. Monthly DSL cost is usually in the $30 to $50 range.

Emerging:

BPL (Broadband Over Powerlines): By converting Internet data into radio frequency signals unaffected by electric current, this technology can deliver broadband access over standard electric power lines. With special modems, users plug their computers into standard wall outlets to establish connectivity. Several test projects are underway around the U.S.

FIBER-OPTIC (FTTH - Fiber to the Home): The fastest way to transmit data across a network, fiber connections can carry information at a speed of 1 Gbps -- or beyond. Several FTTH projects are under construction throughout the U.S. The biggest hurdle has been the price tag: running fiber to individual homes or businesses can cost as much as $1,000 to $1,500 per installation.