A Comparison of NetZero Highspeed to AT&T DSL

AT&T; offers consistent pricing nationwide on introductory packages. As of the time of publication, its DSL Basic, DSL Pro and DSL Express packages all start at $14.95 a month for the first 12 months. AT&T; also offers a DSL Elite package for $19.95 a month for the first 12 months. After the first year of service, the monthly rate for both packages reverts to an undisclosed "existing standard rate."

NetZero offers two types of high speed Internet. Its Accelerated Dial-Up Service is $14.95 a month, and is a proprietary dial-up service that promises to provide "the fastest dial-up surfing you can get." NetZero also offers DSL services in select areas, but it offers different pricing for different coverage areas. For example, in both San Jose, California and Durham, North Carolina, NetZero offers a DSL Saver package for $9.95 a month for the first six months, after which it reverts to a standard price that differs for each location. In San Jose, additional packages are offered that are not available in Durham. To determine NetZero DSL availability and pricing for your area, visit NetZero's website. Please note that you must have a landline in order to receive this service.

For AT&T;, its DSL Basic package offers a download speed of up to 768 Kbps and an upload speed of 384 Kbps. DSL Express has a download speed of up to 1.5 Mbps and an upload speed of 384 Kbps. DSL Pro offers a download speed of 3 Mbps and an upload speed of 512 Kbps. DSL Elite offers the fastest data transfer times, with a download speed of 6 Mbps and an upload speed of 768 Kbps. NetZero Accelerated Dial-up promises surfing speeds of up to five times faster than standard dial-up, but this only affects web page surfing. File transfer and media streaming speeds will be dependent on the speed of your dial-up modem. NetZero's DSL Saver plan specifies a download speed of 768 Kbps. Its Pro 50X package promises speeds of up to 3 Mbps, and their Ultra 100X package promises 6 Mbps.

AT&T; offers DSL coverage in major metropolitan areas nationwide. This coverage may not reach to some small towns and rural areas. Call AT&T; or visit its website and use the service locater to see if service is available in your area. NetZero's Accelerated Dial-up service is available nationwide anywhere that you can install a landline telephone. Its DSL service, however, is only available in select locations, and is only available to homes and businesses with a landline telephone connection.