Eli the Computer Guy

Archive for the ‘Comcast’ Category

As old clients and colleagues know I used to unleash a torrent of bile whenever someone mentioned Comcast internet service.  To say that I thought it was crap would be far too kind.  But things change, and I should give credit where it is due.

I have had Comcast Business Class Internet for my business for 2 months now and have to say I’m highly impressed.  I notice no speed degradation during the day, and my service has always been available when I go to use it.  I am running a video web server and none of my visitors has complained about connection issues.

Below are four different speed tests that I ran.  Please note these speeds are what I am getting on the $59 per month plan.

I can’t vouch for all areas that have Comcast Internet, but in Baltimore City I think Comcast Business Class is the way to go.  (Please note that there is a difference between Business Class service and Residential Service.  Residential Service may not be as good.)

Having moved from a shared hosting plan for my web site to a virtual server I still find the performance to be below what I need.  I looked at leasing a dedicated server, but I dislike the contracts and frankly for the amount of money hosting companies want it seems like their should be a more affordable way.

I finally found the answer in building my own server and using Comcast Business Class Internet.  By using hardware I already own I don’t have to spend money to set a Linux box up, and the new Comcast Internet plans offer an amazing amount for relatively little money.

When you get the Business Plan you can do just about anything you want with your server (that’s legal).  You can host your own web sites and email servers without having to worry about using work arounds or violating your contract.

The service plans and pricing are very good:

• 12 Down, 2 Up for approx. $60
• 16 Down, 5 Up for approx. $100
• 50 Down, 10 Up for approx. $190

There are some installation fees, and such, but you can run a very respectable server from the comfort of your own home or office.

Frankly I’ve never been a huge Comcast fan, but sadly Verizon FIOS isn’t available in Baltimore and 756Kbps up on DSL just won’t cut it.

If you’re serious about running a complicated web site  you should definitely give Comcast a thought.  At 10Mbps there’s very little you can’t do with a web server.

Check them out at http://business.comcast.com/