Closer look at 'cheap broadband'

If online families wonder if they're getting the full story on "budget" high-speed Internet access, they're smart to wonder. ZDNET columnist Matt Lake explains why people are cynical about the new cheap-broadband services being marketed - but that it's more a labeling problem than a pricing one. Of course, the $14.95/mo. price doesn't factor in taxes, USF fees, and the up-front $19.95 activation fee, but that only jacks up the price to an actual $19-or-so. And of course, customers are locked into a year's service or they pay a bail-out fee of $79. And then, after a year, the price goes up. But you're still saving money if you stick it out (and it's a pain to switch services anyway). And the real issue is the definition of "broadband," and that depends partly on the location of your home. Check out the article for helpful details.