The Hong Kong example is FTTP (fiber to the prem). Verizon is in the process of making their network all FTTP. AT&T is doing a combination of FTTP and FTTN (fiber to the node. the last feet brought in on twisted pair using VDSL.). Cable is using a marketing gimmick in some areas claiming to boost your speed, "when you need it," whatever that means. Actually, it means robbing Peter to pay Paul. DSL still chugs along at up to 6 meg for less than $50/month in most metropolitan areas.

Unless you are uploading or downloading huge files, the average user won't experience much difference between 1.5 meg and 15 meg. The reason? Those are connection speeds, not to be confused with end-to-end speeds. It does little good to visit a site with your 15meg sync rate and the site is only able to crank out 6meg or the route is overbooked. Bottle necks are bottle necks.

Movies are already downloaded quickly with AT&T's U-verse product. Likewise with Verizon's FIOS. IPTV is here, too. Wireless is still is far slower, but its future holds promise.

Wireless and cable TV data connections are very susceptable to snooping. Wireless, because it broadcasts everywhere and cable because it loops through every subscriber on it's way to and from the node. Surprisingly, DSL is the most secure, with its dedicated pair to the central office.

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DrTandem's San Diego Web Page Design, drtandem.com