Providers Offering DSL Service
We've found 868 providers offering DSL service in the US. Below are stats on their coverage and speeds.
How many DSL internet providers are there in the US?
There are currently 868 DSL internet service providers (ISPs) in the United States. Many of these companies have roots as landline phone companies and have evolved to offer internet service. Most of the smaller DSL companies are “Baby Bells” that resulted from the breakup of AT&T in 1984.
What is a DSL Provider?
DSL, or “Digital Subscriber Line,” providers deliver internet connectivity to residences and businesses using twisted copper phone lines. DSL is common because the telephone infrastructure it uses has already been installed in most US households for decades. It is widespread in rural areas, where more advanced networks like cable and fiber have not yet been built.
The best DSL providers and plans will usually be in suburban areas, where you have a stronger likelihood of being close to the provider office or “DSLAM” that connects multiple subscribers to their provider. In rural areas, subscribers often get slower download speeds in the 1–5 Mbps range due to signal degradation over long distances. In suburban areas, DSL internet speeds are closer to 20–75 Mbps and compete closely with cable internet providers. For more information on how DSL works, see our technical guide to DSL Internet service.
Top DSL Providers in the USA by Coverage Availability
EarthLink DSL Internet
EarthLink is the most available, and often the lowest-priced, DSL provider in the United States, with California, Texas, New York as their most covered states. Their price range for internet plans run from $14.95-$99.95 per month for speeds ranging from 3-140 Mbps, with no data caps.
CenturyLink DSL Internet
Although CenturyLink is available in 39 states, they’re the third-largest DSL provider in the US, servicing nearly 50 million people. CenturyLink’s DSL plans offer speeds up to 140 Mbps with a 1024 GB data cap for prices ranging from $49-$65 a month.
Verizon DSL Internet
Verizon High-Speed Internet is available in only 11 states throughout the US, with its greatest coverage in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. There are only a few DSL internet plans from Verizon, which cost between $49.99-$69.99 a month. While there are no data caps for these plans, speeds only go up to 15 Mbps.
Frontier Communications Internet
Frontier Communications provides DSL internet service in 29 states, with the greatest amount of coverage in California, Florida, and Connecticut. With prices starting at $37.99 per month, Frontier is one of the lowest-priced DSL providers. DSL internet plans from Frontier offer speeds from 9-115 Mbps, with no data caps on any plans.
Windstream DSL Internet
Windstream is the 6th largest DSL internet provider in the US, serving 13.7 million people across all 50 states. Windstream is one of the fastest DSL providers with speeds ranging from 25-1000 Mbps. Each DSL plan has no data caps and costs between $45-$75 a month depending on your speed and location.
Consolidated Communications DSL Internet
Consolidated Communications (Formerly Fairpoint Communications) offers coverage in 25 states, available to 4.7 million people. Their DSL internet plans are free of data caps and have speeds up to 200 Mbps, one of the fastest available for DSL providers. Consolidated Communications plan prices range from $35-$75 a month.
Sonic DSL Internet
Sonic is a residential internet provider available in California. Its service coverage area provides DSL internet to 2.9 million customers, making it the 8th largest residential DSL internet provider in the US. Internet speeds offered from Sonic range from 40-100 Mbps, with prices that range from $40-$80 a month.
TDS Telecom DSL Internet
TDS Telecom provides DSL internet to 2.7 million people across 27 states. The states with the greatest coverage are Michigan, Wisconsin, and Tennessee. TDS Telecom internet plans range in price from $29.95-$109.95 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps. Data caps depend on the location, with some areas having caps at 250 GB, while data is unlimited in other areas.
Cincinnati Bell DSL Internet
Mainly available in Ohio, Cincinnati Bell is the United States’ 10th largest residential DSL internet provider, with service available to 1.4 million people. They offer service to 19 states, with their most significant coverage in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Cincinnati Bell DSL internet plans offer speeds of 5-50 Mbps with no data caps for up to $39.99 a month, not including taxes and fees.
What is DSL internet?
DSL internet is a broadband technology that is quite different from dial-up internet, although both send data over telephone lines. Unlike dial-up, DSL operates using high-frequency bands within telephone cables, enabling it to deliver data quickly and efficiently, as it provides an always-on internet connection. For more information on how DSL internet works, read our page dedicated to explaining DSL technology.
Pros and Cons of DSL Internet
Pros
- Widely available throughout the US.
- Highly affordable internet option.
- Direct connection from ISP to residence allows for no slow-downs during peak times.
Cons
- Slower speeds than other wired options.
- Connection quality depends on the distance between the residence and ISP.
- Above-ground cables can experience disruptions due to weather and storms.
DSL Internet vs. Cable Internet
DSL and cable internet service are both widely available; however, how they operate are quite different.
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DSL Internet vs. Satellite Internet
The differences between DSL and Satellite internet are immense. Here are some points to consider:
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DSL Internet vs. Fixed Wireless Internet
Fixed wireless internet and DSL are both options that are generally available in rural or remote areas.
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