If I Order DSL for an Internet Connection Will I Be Charged for Phone Service?

by Jennifer Ramirez, Demand Media

With the prevalence of cellphones, you may not want or need a landline.

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There are many high speed internet providers throughout the U.S. offering DSL services for businesses and homes. DSL services are provided over a phone line and it once was required to sign up for home phone and Internet with the same service provider. However, it's now possible to purchase DSL service only. Verizon, AT&T;, Qwest and EarthLink are four major DSL providers in the U.S., and all offer standalone DSL plans without phone service.

Verizon

Verizon offers two DSL plans that don't require the purchase of phone service. These plans, called Dry-Loop plans, cost slightly more than the deals you receive if you bundle phone and DSL services, but the price difference is small in comparison to saving yourself the cost of an unwanted phone line. Both Verizon Dry-Loop DSL plans come with access to Wi-Fi at any Verizon Wi-Fi hot spot nationwide. Verizon offers wireless gateways and routers with their service and often waives the price if they are ordered online along with DSL service.

AT&T;

With AT&T; you have the choice of four different DSL plans that don't require home phone service. These plans, called DSL direct plans, offer a variety of download speeds and prices to meet any family's Internet and budgetary needs. As with Verizon, the DSL direct plans cost a few dollars more than DSL with voice service, but the price difference is less than the cheapest local calls-only voice plans AT&T; offers as of 2011. None of AT&T;'s DSL direct plans require a contract and all offer 11 email addresses, online storage and the option to purchase a wireless gateway or modem.

Qwest

Qwest, which will soon be known as Century Link, offers both business and residential DSL plans that don't require voice service. These Qwest Connect with Internet Basic plans come in four different speeds. A variety of wireless gateways, modems, cables and other accessories are available for purchase from Qwest's website. Qwest offers the option of self-installation of the wireless gateway or modem with the help of an installation CD or installation by Qwest technicians for an additional fee. All four plans are on a month-to-month basis, with no contract required.

EarthLink

EarthLink offers freestanding DSL plans that don't require, or allow, home phone service anywhere that Verizon is the main home phone carrier. Its plans are available in a variety of speeds with download speeds of up to 3Mbps per second. EarthLink's freestanding DSL plans include a free wireless gateway and free protection from viruses, spyware and hackers. It offers the option of installing the wireless gateway yourself or paying an installation fee to have a technician come to your home and assist you.

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References

  • Verizon; High Speed Internet Priced So Low, Consumers Can Forget About Dial-Up; April 2011
  • Qwest: Qwest Wholesale Broadband
  • EarthLink: Freestanding DSL Internet

Resources

  • DSL Service Providers: National DSL Providers Comparison Residential
  • AT&T;: DSL High-Speed Internet Direct

About the Author

Jennifer Ramirez has been writing professionally since 2010. She owns and operates an art business from her home and she is a regular contributor to various websites on food and cooking topics. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in international studies and East Asian studies from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Science in education from Northwestern University.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images