Is DSL Lite Available From AT&T Without a Working Phone Service?

AT&T; ranks each tier of service by the maximum downstream speed, which is the speed at which data downloads from the Internet. The FastAccess DSL Direct 768K plan has the same downstream speed as DSL Lite: 768 Kbps. AT&T; promotes this service plan as having downstream speeds up to 10 times faster than dial-up service and is best for individuals who mainly use the Internet to download small files, check email and surf the web.

The DSL Direct 768K service plan includes AT&T; Wi-Fi Basic, which allows customers Internet access at any nationwide AT&T; Wi-Fi Basic Hot Spot. All customers have to do to gain access is sign in with their AT&T; username and password. Customers can also receive 11 email accounts and 10 MB of web page space for signing up with DSL Direct 768K.

In order to receive DSL service through AT&T;, individuals must have a PC or Mac with an available Ethernet port and a CD-ROM drive, so that the software can be installed. AT&T; recommends computers have a minimum of 1 GB of memory in order to receive the fastest Internet speeds. Ideally, computer should also have a processor speed of 1 GHz or faster and 125 MB of free disk space. Customers must also have a DSL modem in order to receive service, which can be purchased through AT&T.;

AT&T; recommends customers purchase its Wireless Gateway, which creates a home network where all computers within a customer's home can connect to a single DSL line. This is available through AT&T; for a one-time charge. AT&T; also offers a self-installation kit, so that customers can set up their connection on their own through detailed instructions. Remote PC access is also available to AT&T; DSL Direct 768K customers for a monthly fee, so that customers can securely access their computer from any computer with a connection to the Internet.