Joe F mentions newsgroups. One of the reasons I signed with Comcast cable for TV AND internet is that it had access to 'most' newsgroups. They don't host them directly, but contract with Giganews to supply the feeds. I get 2 gigs per month free, but usually opt to get up to 25 gigs directly from Giganews.($12)

Comcast is in direct competition with Verizon FIOS here, and I get something like FRANTIC pleas from Verizon to switch....offering me free TVS and such. Verizon's price is a 'bit' cheaper right now, but they offer fewer newsgroups, and MUCH shorter retention time.

If I understand correctly, Verizon's signal is affected by distance from telephone exchange centers, while Comcast's cable signal is affected by total subscriber load on the line. Thus, my signal and speed drops between 5-7 PM when everyone gets home and checks email..and on weekends when major sports events on TV put load on the lines. Early in the morning, internet access is zippy.