DSL internet

What is DSL internet?

DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line, which is an internet network that uses telephone lines to transmit digital data.

With a DSL internet connection, the internet service provider (ISP) uses telephone lines to carry the signals directly to the home where a DSL modem receives and converts the signals to internet service.

The most common type of residential DSL service is ADSL, or asymmetrical DSL. In this type of DSL internet service, the data transfer rate is greater in one direction, typically downloads. This means DSL internet plans are likely to feature higher download speeds than upload speeds.

Other common types of DSL service include SDSL, which have symmetrical upload and download rates, and VDSL, which has a “very high” data transfer rate.

Best for: DSL internet is best for low and moderate internet users who browse, check emails and stream on a few devices.

DSL internet providers in your area

DSL is a popular type of internet service in more rural areas because speeds and pricing tend to be better than satellite internet or fixed wireless. However, DSL is becoming less and less available as providers, such as AT&T, began discontinuing their DSL service in order to focus on more high-density neighborhoods that use fiber optic internet instead of DSL.

See how major DSL internet providers across the nation compare before you start looking at plan details. Note that the max possible speed you can receive with a plan ranges significantly based on your location. 

Top DSL internet providers by availability

Providers	Starting price*	Max speed range	Data caps	Nationwide availability
AT&T	$45.00/mo.	5 – 100 Mbps	1 TB/mo.	40%
Verizon DSL	$69.99/mo.	0.5 – 15 Mbps	None	17.8%
CenturyLink	$49.00/mo.**	20 – 100 Mbps	1 TB/mo.	16%
Frontier	$37.99/mo.	3 – 115 Mbps	None	11%
Windstream	$37.00/mo.	25 – 232 Mbps	None	2.66%

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 04/18/21.

**Rate requires paperless billing. Additional taxes, fees, and surcharges apply. Offer Details

Is DSL internet right for you?

Many areas with access to a DSL internet connection also have the option of satellite, cable or possibly fiber optic internet as well. Each internet type varies in availability, pricing and speeds. Here is how each service type ranks.

Availability: Lower than satellite, higher than fiber, about the same as cable

While satellite internet is the most widely-available internet type, DSL internet is not far behind, with availability in around 87% of U.S. households. Like satellite internet, DSL is a great option for rural areas. Access to a telephone line is likely all you need to get DSL internet, which makes it a great option in areas where cable internet is not available or desired.

Pricing: Lower than most other internet types

Along with availability, low plan pricing is another potential benefit of DSL internet. Depending on where you live and which DSL providers are available, standalone internet service could start as low as $20/mo. This is lower than most cable providers, and significantly lower than satellite internet service.

Speeds: Lower than most other internet types

In many areas, DSL internet’s fastest speeds are comparable to the lowest speeds you could get with a cable or fiber-optic internet connection. The fastest DSL internet speeds available range from around 100 to 200 Mbps, which are good internet speeds, but availability is highly limited. More common DSL speeds are around 24 Mbps or lower. Plus, the farther you are from your DSL ISP, the slower your speeds are likely to be.