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You've heard of the different types of internet connections - satellite internet, cable internet, fiber internet etc. But how much do you really know about DSL internet?
One of the oldest and widely available types of internet connection, DSL has been around since the 1980s - back when internet options were scarce and the internet speeds would scare today's avid gamers.
HomeLinkd's guide to DSL internet gives you everything you need to know about the internet service, how it works and which provider you should consider for all your DSL needs.
Not to be confused with dial-up internet, DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, and it is a type of high-speed internet connection that uses your existing telephone line to deliver fast internet service. DSL technology has been around for decades, making it one of the most widely available types of high-speed internet in the country.
DSL works by sending data over the copper wires that make up your telephone line. The speed of your connection will vary depending on how close you are to your service provider's equipment and the quality of your telephone line. In general, DSL speeds are much faster than dial-up connections but not as fast as cable or fiber optic internet service.
DSL internet service works by using the copper wires that make up your telephone line to deliver high-speed internet to your home. Data is sent over these copper wires at a much higher frequency than traditional telephone calls, which allows you to surf the web, stream video and download files at high speeds.
One of the benefits of DSL internet is that it can be delivered over any type of phone line - including both traditional landlines and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lines. This makes it a great option for homes and businesses that want high-speed internet but do not have access to cable or fiber optic lines.
DSL internet is one of the most widely available types of high-speed internet in the country. Most major phone companies offer DSL service, which means that you probably have access to DSL at your home or business.
To get started with DSL service, you will need to sign up with a DSL provider. Once you have chosen a provider, they will send a technician to your location to install the necessary equipment. This equipment includes a splitter, which is used to separate your telephone and internet signals, and a modem, which is used to connect your computer to the internet.
Once the equipment is installed, you will be able to start using the internet right away. In most cases, there is no need to change your existing telephone service - you can keep your same phone number and still enjoy high-speed DSL internet.
A DSL provider is a company that offers DSL internet service to customers. Some of the largest DSL providers in the country include AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink and Frontier.
One of the major DSL providers in the country, CenturyLink offers service to customers in 37 states. With download speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps, making CenturyLink offer some of the fastest DSL internet speeds.
CenturyLink's DSL plans also come with a variety of bundle options, which allow you to combine your DSL internet service with home phone service and/or TV service. These bundles can save you money on your monthly bill and make it easier to keep all of your services with one provider, but keep in mind that speeds may vary according to your location.
AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, offering a variety of services to customers including DSL internet. AT&T DSL plans start at $19.95 per month for speeds up to 6 Mbps. Recently, AT&T Internet has been scaling back on its DSL plans and is instead focusing on its other wireless internet options, such as its fiber internet plans.
Another large telecommunications company, Verizon offers DSL internet service to customers in select areas of the country. With speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 50 Mbps, Verizon has a plan that can meet the needs of any home or business. Prices begin at $75 per month.
EarthLink is a smaller DSL provider, but they offer service to customers in all 50 states. With download and upload speeds ranging from 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps, EarthLink has a variety of plans to meet the needs of any customer.
In addition to standard DSL service, EarthLink also offers Naked DSL, which is a faster and more reliable type of DSL service. Naked DSL does not require a phone line, which means that you can get high-speed internet even if you do not have a traditional telephone line.
Frontier Communications is one of the largest providers of DSL internet service in the country. With speeds ranging from 12 Mbps to 25 Mbps, Frontier's DSL price starts from $45 per month.
Kinetic by Windstream is one of the larger DSL providers in the country, offering service to customers in 18 states. With speeds going up to 500 Mbps, Kinetic's plans start from $37 per month.
Max speed: 500 Mbps
Pricing: Starting from $36.99 per month
Availability: 18 states
Max speed: 100 Mbps
Pricing: Starting from $49 per month
Availability: 37 states
Max speed: 100 Mbps
Pricing: Starting from $49.95 per month
Availability: All 50 states
If you're looking for a fast and reliable DSL internet connection, these are the plans you should consider.
CenturyLink Simply Unlimited Internet
Download Speed: Max of 100 Mbps
Pricing: Around $50 per month
View Plan
EarthLink 45 Mbps Internet
Download Speed: 45 Mbps
Pricing: Around $70 per month
View Plan
Kinetic Internet 50 Mbps
Download Speed: 50 Mbps
Pricing: Around $40 per month
View Plan
DSL and cable internet are both types of broadband internet, which means they offer high-speed internet service. However, there are some key differences between the two.
DSL uses your home's existing telephone line to deliver high-speed internet, while cable internet uses a cable that runs from your home to the nearest cable company office.
DSL is typically faster than cable internet, but it can be affected by distance from the telephone exchange. The further away you are, the slower your speed will be. Cable internet is not as affected by distance, but it can be slowed down by heavy usage in your neighborhood.
There are some key differences between DSL and other internet types - such as cable or fiber internet.
DSL uses your home's existing telephone line to deliver high-speed internet, while cable internet uses a cable that runs from your home to the nearest cable company office. Fiber optic internet uses a network of cables made of thin strands of glass to deliver high-speed internet.
DSL is can be considered quicker than cable internet, but it can be affected by distance from the telephone exchange. Cable internet is not as affected by distance, and Fiber optic internet is not affected by distance or heavy usage as compared to the other two.
DSL is typically cheaper than fiber optic internet, and more widely accessible as fiber may not be available in most areas yet. Fiber optic internet is more expensive, but it also offers the fastest speeds throughout the US and is more reliable.
Like satellite internet, DSL is widely available across the country. However, DSL is a much faster connection than satellite.
To get the fastest DSL speeds possible from your connection, make sure you are connected to a modem that supports high-speed internet access. Many DSL modems only support speeds up to 10 Mbps.
Yes. Many internet service providers offer both DSL and cable internet services. However, there are some key differences between the two.
There are many DSL providers in the USA, but according to research, there are currently 898 DSL providers across the country. Some of the most popular include CenturyLink, EarthLink, and Kinetic by Windstream.
You can find DSL providers in your area by entering your zip code in our search tool.
Pros:
- DSL is typically cheaper than other types of broadband internet
- Widely available
- Great for internet users in rural areas
Cons:
- Not as fast as other connection types
- Speeds tend to decrease over distance
- Infrastructure is deteriorating
- Most plans come with data caps
Searching for a great DSL connection available in your area has gotten that much easier with HomeLinkd.
While DSL may not be the fastest connection type available, it's definitely on the more available and more affordable side so it shouldn't be counted out as an avid competitor yet.
Find and compare the best DSL internet service providers and DSL plans in your area, today.
We have a wide selection of plans to choose from, so you can find and select the perfect one to suit your needs.
There's a deal for with fast, reliable and secure internet. With dozens of plans and bundle offer to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice.
CenturyLink is your trusted provider of internet, home phone, and TV services. Whether you're at home or on the go, CenturyLink offer fast and reliable internet.
Get fast speeds, more data, and bigger savings on Viasat's reliable home internet plans!
EarthLink offer high-speed internet that’ll always keep you connected whether you're streaming your favorite shows or video chatting with friends.
AT&T offer you a variety of options to get the high-quality services you require, including DSL, fiber optic and fixed wireless networks, streaming and satellite TV services, and extensive 5G coverage.
Frontier, a leading provider of high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, offer various plans to fit your needs and budget.