These DSL providers all have sizable footprints throughout the US, but lack the speed, value or consistency of other providers to make our list of the best. They're still worth checking out if available in your area.
A new DSL/fiber internet provider, Brightspeed recently acquired networks from Lumen Technologies (parent company of CenturyLink and Quantum Fiber) in many markets east of the Mississippi. Despite the new name, speeds, pricing and service terms appear to be relatively unchanged.
EarthLink established a fairly large DSL customer base by acquiring or piggybacking off networks of other providers. DSL internet plans start at $45 per month for speeds around 25Mbps, but pricing and internet connection speeds can vary widely by location.
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Though "fiber" is in the name, Ziply Fiber also offers DSL service in parts of the Northwest formerly serviceable for Frontier. Plans start at $40 per month, but the download speeds are "variable."
DSL internet is a common internet option thanks to high availability in rural areas and low pricing, but the slow speeds will almost always fall well short of cable or fiber internet plans. That said, all of the DSL providers on our list offer speeds up to 100Mbps or higher in select areas, which is adequate for streaming in HD and gaming online. Most providers also come with favorable service terms, such as unlimited data or high data allowances, contract-free service and price guarantees.
Is DSL better than cable internet?
In most locations, no. Cable typically offers faster speeds and lower cost per Mbps than DSL. Some high-speed DSL providers, such as Kinetic, can deliver speeds that rival low or midlevel speed tiers available from a fiber-optic or cable provider.
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Why is DSL internet slow?
DSL speeds are like the noise level at a concert. The closer you are to the stage, the louder it will be. With DSL, providers often use fiber-optic or coax cables to run service to local service hubs and from there use a telephone line to carry service to your home. These service hubs are like the stage at a concert. The closer your address is to a provider's service hub, the faster your speeds are likely to be. This is why residents of more remote, rural areas are often stuck with the slowest DSL speeds.
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Is DSL just fancy dial-up?
Though DSL also uses your phone line for service, DSL and dial-up are two completely separate internet connections. DSL uses the phone line differently than dial-up or your home telephone service, enabling an "always on" connection and simultaneous use of your home phone for making calls.
For more information about DSL internet and how it compares to other internet types and providers, view our list of the best internet providers of 2024.
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Source: cnet.com