How can one get dial up Internet & / or cable cheaply?

Your cheapest option is dial-up:

If you're a light Internet user, email and browsing, and don't care about downloading and watching online video, then you might be satisfied with dial-up Internet. Dial up Internet is very inexpensive with plans as cheap as $5.00 per month. Dial up has disadvantages though, it will tie up your telephone line while you are connected so you can't make or receive calls. Dial up requires a telephone line connection and is available practically anywhere in the US and Canada.

If you want high speed (Broadband) Internet then your next cheapest option is DSL, The lower speed DSL plans start at about $20 per month. DSL or cable Internet doesn't require or tie up a telephone line. Cable Internet is generally faster than DSL but pricier. Both DSL and cable Internet availability depends on your exact location, in some remote areas it is not even an option and satellite Internet or perhaps cellular mobile broadband, both very expensive, would have to be the choice if you want broadband.

Go to a ISP comparison site and put in your address or zip code and you can see what Internet providers deals are available in your specific area. Pick the best option for your Internet usage and budget. Use the resources listed below or do a Internet search for "cheap ISP comparison".

Shop around. You normally have 2 choices for broadband - your telephone company and your cable TV company. Dial-up is your choice, but the price per mb is pretty high. (The price is low, but the speed is not much better than nothing.)

Mess with wires in the network box outside your house.

You have chance that you'll connect your hjouse to your neighbors internet.

Also, you have equal chance of getting shoked or getting cought by police.

Not sure what is better LOL