I haven't made any detailed checks of the situation, because I have discounted a cable connection for other reasons; but I was told the last time that I made an "informal" inquiry that I couldn't get a cable internet connection unless I had cable TV installed.

The implication was that I was required to pay for the cable TV, whether I used it or not, in order to get a cable internet connection.

If I get interested, I'll certainly look at the contract very carefully.

The last unsolicited call I got from my phone company offering me a "high speed internet connection" (the call was on my unlisted FAX line) I informed them I might consider it if they would mail me a specification of what equipment I would need, what performance they would guarantee, and how much it would cost. I got a 23 page package that contained NONE of the requested information, and that literaly lied about the initial hookup costs.

(Their "data package" failed to mention that in order to get their "free 3 months" I would have to sign a contract for a year - and pay for it "up front" at a price that they refused to give me when I called to confirm that their package was all B.S.)

John