How Fast Is Verizon DSL Compared to Dial Up?

Data is measured as a rate of bits sent over the network per second. Modern networking equipment is capable of sending thousands, millions or billions of bits per second. Internet service speeds are usually measured in kilobits per second (Kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps).

Upload speeds are a measure of how fast data is transmitted from your home computer to some destination on the Internet. Depending on the Verizon DSL plan, upload speeds can range from a maximum of 384 Kbps to 768 Kbps. A dial-up modem adhering to the V.90 standard has a maximum upload rate 33.6 Kbps, and a modem adhering to the V.92 standard can upload at a maximum of 48.0 Kbps.

Download speeds are a measure of how fast data is received from some location on the Internet to your home computer. Dial-up modems have a maximum download speed of 56.0 Kbps, while Verizon DSL's download speeds range from 0.5 Mbps to 15 Mbps.

Unlike dial-up Internet service, Verizon DSL is always on. This means that you can access the Internet without first activating the modem, having it call the Internet service provider and logging in.