DSL Speeds FAQ

Yes. When it comes to DSL speeds, proximity to the provider's central office counts. The closer you are to the central office, the faster speeds you'll be able to access. Users tend to assume that all of a provider's plans will be available at every address the provider services. With DSL, this does not always prove to be the case. If a subscriber is far away from the central office, it is a possibility he may not be able to select a specific plan with higher download and upload speeds. The advantage DSL has over cable is that a subscriber does not need to share bandwidth with other subscribers. So, if a download speed of 7 Mbps is available at your address, you should be able to access that speed every time you use the Internet.

ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and is the form of the technology that virtually all residential subscribers have. It means that download and upload speeds are asymmetric or not equal. Your download speeds will typically be greater than your upload speeds because most subscribers do way more downloading than uploading.

Your Internet Service Provider will determine the maximum speeds you will be able to achieve through the DSL service provided. Some providers allow maximum download speeds of up to 10 Mbps while others offer download speeds of up to 40 Mbps. As the technology evolves, subscribers are given access to greater download and upload speeds. Be sure to check your address with providers to see what the maximum speeds are that you will be able to access at that address.

The bandwidth you need depends on the activities you engage in on the Internet. Moderate Internet users who browse Web pages and check email should be able to get by on a DSL plan that allows download speeds of up to 1 Mbps or more. If you download a lot of files or engage in multiplayer, online gaming, you may need a plan that approaches 10 Mbps or more. When you contact a DSL ISP, the representative should ask you questions to determine the package that would work best for you. However, it helps if you have an idea of what activities you can perform seamlessly with specific plans.