Good to Know: Cable and broadband access

CABLE AND BROADBAND ACCESSGlen Ellyn is served by two competing cable companies: AT&T Broadband and Ameritech's Americast.

Ameritech's cable systems are soon to be acquired by WideOpenWest of Colorado; AT&T cable is being courted by several media conglomerates.

Both providers offer traditional analog service plus optional digital channels.

Each company offers similar but not identical programming.

TV Guide online (www.tvguide.com) is a good resource for comparing the two.

Satellite dishes are an option for those with a clear view of the southern sky.

Vendors include DirecTV (www.directv.com) and Dish Network (www.dishnetwork.com).

High-speed DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is available in much of the village, either directly from Ameritech (the phone company, not the cable company) or through many third-party Internet Service Providers (ISPs). For information about the DSL business at www.glen-ellyn.com/tv.html; more general industry news is available at DSL Reports (www.dslreports.com). Sprint offers wireless high-speed Internet service to those with a relatively clear view of the Sears Tower (www.sprintbroadband.com). StarNetWX is expected soon to offer a similar service that uses antenna sites scattered throughout the suburbs (wireless.iols.com). Satellite Internet access is offered by Starband (www.starband.com) and DirectPC (www.directpc.com). (DirectPC Internet access and DirectTV television offerings can be combined in the same dish.)

For more information, visit www.glen-ellyn.com/tv.html or e-mail the Glen Ellyn Technology Commission at technology@glen-ellyn.com.