| With the large number of high-speed Internet | | | | highly expensive or unaffordable. Those opting for |
| providers, slow-moving Internet connections are a | | | | the cheapest DSL option available should check |
| thing of the past. One of the most popular and | | | | for the quality of customer service and the down |
| efficient technologies of high-speed internet | | | | time that makes the choice of a connection |
| access is that of Digital Subscriber Line, commonly | | | | perfect. |
| referred to as DSL. | | | | Hardware: DSL connections require a modem for |
| DSL technology has a number of inherent benefits | | | | connecting to the Internet. While getting a |
| over the relatively traditional dial-up technology. | | | | connection, the DSL provider might charge |
| The main difference between the two is that of | | | | additionally for the modem, which would be billed |
| speed. DSL is several times faster, as also, less | | | | into the customer's account. It's a good practice |
| disruption-prone. It provides an 'always-on' | | | | to check with the service provider about the cost |
| Internet connection compared to the dial-up, | | | | involved and to ensure that the installed modem is |
| which might disconnect with the slightest | | | | of good quality since it would have a direct |
| fluctuating bandwidth. DSL also offers a much | | | | bearing on the speed. |
| more steady option to surf the Internet. DSL lines | | | | DSL Providers |
| use conventional telephone lines to provide | | | | There are a host of quality and reputable DSL |
| Internet access without interfering with the | | | | providers available in the US market these days. |
| telephone or fax machines. | | | | Most of them offer a whole range of add-on |
| While choosing a DSL provider, customers need | | | | features with a DSL connection. Some of the |
| to keep several aspects in mind. Some of these | | | | well-known names include: |
| aspects have been dealt one by one below: | | | | AT&T: It offers a number of packages |
| Connectivity and Speed: Before choosing a DSL | | | | providing high-speed Internet. These packages |
| provider, customers need to check on the | | | | bundle features such as email accounts, online |
| reputation and infrastructure of the company to | | | | storage space, and even wireless connectivity. |
| ensure that they get good quality connectivity. | | | | Verizon: It is a major DSL provider in the US |
| Speed of the connection is the next important | | | | market. It offers high-speed DSL, customer |
| factor to bear in mind. DSL providers might be | | | | service round the clock, and a host of add-ons |
| able to provide a high download speed but not an | | | | bundled with their Internet connections. |
| equally high speed for uploading. Those who need | | | | Today, there are many other DSL providers that |
| to use the Internet to upload heavy files or | | | | offer Internet connectivity in different parts of |
| documents would do well to choose a DSL | | | | the United States. Thus, you have a wide range |
| service that can offer a high download speed. | | | | to choose from. |
| Affordability: A good DSL service need not be | | | | |