said by Neyland85 :

The idea that cable slows down during peak time again is very resource dependent. It's a node saturation issue and DSL has just as much issue with this as Cable does.

To say a 6mb DSL connection is as fast as a 10mb Cable connection isn't true. It's cheaper... but not as fast. You're getting what you pay for. We have the 3mb service (best DSL they see fit to offer in my area) only because the price is more of a factor for us right now.

said by NormanS :

It is actually a bit easier for DSL to fix a saturation problem. Cable has to reconfigure the HFC in the neighborhood. Telco just has to add another aggregation router at the POP center. BTDTGTTS.
Beyond 3Mb, you only notice the difference on file downloads. Between my sister's 6Mb Comcast connection, and my 3Mb AT&T (DSL) connection, neither of us can detect any difference for normal web use.

said by Neyland85 :

But, I'm a more of a power user. I'm not one of these torrent nuts, but we use our internet connection alot. My 70 yo parents probably could do what they do easily on the 3mb service though.

said by Neyland85 :

It may be easier, but that still gets down to the company willing to make the investment in the equipment in your area.

I've run both side by side. Do I see a difference in my old Comcast 10mb service and my current 3mb service? yes. Where? Not in web browsing typically, but I have seen issues with downloading music and podcasts, streaming media esp HD shows I've missed on Hulu or other such sites, game patches, my ping times were better with Comcast, but I feel that's more of a routing issue than my local connection, uploading pictures to Wally world, downloading email at times.

But, I'm a more of a power user. I'm not one of these torrent nuts, but we use our internet connection alot. My 70 yo parents probably could do what they do easily on the 3mb service though.

Don't get me wrong, the service is fine, but I've found in my area that all the cable poor reliability and bad performance due to sharing to be nothing more than hype. It's just been a simple function of you get what you pay for issue. Bellsouth is cheaper and slower and yes, I do feel it. Comcast is more expensive and typically more responsive for two active internet users.