[Al Skierkiewicz]

Ben,
The experience here in Chicago and surrounding areas is that if the cable company provides Internet, you can just sign up for that service without signing onto cable TV. As with any utility, the provider runs the wire to allow you to pay him for the use. Call the local cable TV provider and talk to a salesman. They will fill you in on all the details. Expect to sign up for at least a year of service as part of the package. Cable modem is about the only choice you have at this point unless there is a wi-fi provider that covers your area. Rural coverage is not a priority.