Is Long Distance Service Necessary to Get DSL?

Digital Subscriber Line or DSL technology uses the higher frequency bands in traditional copper telephone wires to transmit data, allowing the end user to make voice calls on the telephone while surfing the Internet. Residential customers typically have access to the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, known as ADSL, which allows download speeds that generally exceed upload speeds. Businesses can subscribe to other versions of the technology allowing even faster and equal speeds in both the download and upload directions.

Many Internet service providers attempt to bundle DSL with home phone and television programming. In some instances, having home phone service from the ISP is a requirement for DSL service. Providers make it enticing for customers to bundle services, offering rates and perks that sometimes far exceed the value of subscribing for DSL as a stand-alone service. Regardless of the offers presented, it is important to know that you must have active landline telephone copper wiring at the service address in order to receive DSL Internet. A DSL connection cannot be established using a VoIP phone service because an Internet connection must first be present for the VoIP phone service to function. Features such as digital TV and home phone are usually add-ons to DSL Internet service versus requirements for it.

DSL Internet can boast speeds that are more than 50 times greater than traditional dial-up. AT&T;'s DSL Extreme plan has download speeds of up to 6 Mbps. CenturyLink's fastest high-speed DSL Internet plan has speeds of up to 10 Mbps while Verizon's High Speed Internet Enhanced plan has speeds of up to 15 Mbps. Less than 10 major companies provide DSL service across most of America in 2011. AT&T;, Verizon and CenturyLink are just a few of these providers. The speed you'll be able to access with DSL will directly correlate to your service address' physical proximity to the provider's central office. The closer you are, the faster speeds you'll be able to access.

Ask prospective DSL ISPs what speeds you can expect based on your service address' proximity to the central office. If considering a bundle with your DSL service, make sure to ask what the roll to price of any special promotions will be upon expiration. Determine if the provider is requiring a long-term agreement for service and whether you are able to commit to this. Ask about setup, installation and any other applicable fees for establishing new DSL service and whether these must be paid upfront or can be added to the first month's bill.