Introduction
Digital subscriber line (DSL) is the oldest form of broadband and the slowest in America. It runs on copper telephone lines that were installed decades ago. It doesn’t require new infrastructure and can reach areas that fiber and cable don’t. It can’t provide download speeds comparable to cable or fiber, but it is still a viable option for reliable broadband access in rural areas. We will talk about best DSL internet providers in this article.
Best DSL Internet Providers
Frontier Communications and CenturyLink were tied for first place in our 2022 Best DSL Internet Service Providers List. They are also the only occupants of this list. While both offer DSL and fiber, they emphasize the former in their marketing. However, DSL is still their superior product in more rural. Speeds vary depending on the distance to the nearest phone network, with the highest rates reaching just above 100 Mbps. Both do not impose a data cap.
CenturyLink
CenturyLink’s DSL plans can provide impressive download speeds of 140 megabits per sec (Mbps). Still, many customers may find that their location can only receive slower speeds or the minimum 1.5 Mbps tier. CenturyLink doesn’t have a data cap but charges $15 per month for a modem. You can buy it directly from CenturyLink for $200 upfront or from third-party sellers.
Frontier Communications
Frontier Communications offers a 2Gigabit service in its fiber internet market, but it still sells DSL in rural areas that may not be able to get fiber today or ever. DSL download speeds start at 6Mbps and go up to 115Mbps. However, customers who live far from the closest phone office will experience slower speeds. Frontier doesn’t impose any data caps and does not charge rent to get a DSL modem.
Pricing
Frontier DSL internet service will impress if you are looking for DSL at an introductory price. Frontier internet service plans appear to be the same price as other providers. However, the monthly cost includes the modem and equipment fees. This is less impressive than the first since all our providers are free from the contract, but total data is an excellent DSL internet service.
Frontier’s strength is the fact that Frontier offers three pricing tiers based on where speeds are available.
Frontier has one problem
The customer satisfaction ratings are consistently low. Slow speeds are likely to be the cause of many customer complaints. According to FCC, nearly three-quarters (75%) of Frontier-serviceable households will only be able to download speeds between 10 and 25Mbps. The majority of customers will have upload speeds between 1 and 2Mbps.
Frontier offers fair pricing, so if you don’t have fast options, Frontier may be worth considering.
What should I look for in DSL?
Look for DSL plans compatible with your lifestyle when you sign up. Your internet experience will be the best possible because of both download and upload speeds.
Upload and download speeds
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) advertise their plans according to download speed. Around 100 Mbps is the fastest DSL hybrid download speed, which is enough to support your family with its internet-ready devices. This download speed is the FCC standard for broadband internet and will work with streaming without problems.
For web browsing, speeds below 25 Mbps are acceptable. However, streaming can be problematic.
Although upload speeds are essential, most ISPs do not advertise them. To support online gaming or video conference, you will need at least 1 Mbit. Even though the fastest packages in this article claim speeds of up to 1 Mbit, it is quite different from the minimum.
It’s safer to choose plans with higher upload speeds. This will make it less likely that you lose a video conference if your internet doesn’t perform at its best.
Data caps
We didn’t discuss data caps because Frontier and CenturyLink have both high data caps and unlimited data usage.
If you are considering switching to DSL, however, we recommend that you review the data allowance policy. The Standard is 1 TB, and this is sufficient for most people. Data caps restrict how much you can use the internet and are subject to fees.
Conclusion
Many DSL providers exist, but Frontier and CenturyLink are the most trusted big-name brands.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Which DSL is the fastest?
A1: Google Fiber provides the fastest internet service in America, consistently providing the highest average speeds to customers.
Q2: Does DSL internet still exist?
A2: Wide availability– DSL has been ubiquitous in the US. Nearly 90% of Americans have access to DSL networks, with 70% living in rural areas. DSL is often the only wired internet type available in many areas.
Q3: Will DSL ever get faster?
A3: No. Although your DSL speed has reached its limit, this tech can give it more life by using fiber-optic connections. Most people choose fiber or cable broadband connections, which are the fastest available these days.
