Best DSL Internet Providers in Columbus, Ohio (2026)
The leading DSL internet provider in Columbus is AT&T Internet, covering approximately 78.4% of the area. DSL plans here start around $37-55/month with speeds from 15 to 100 Mbps, depending on your distance from the nearest DSLAM.
The Columbus, Ohio internet market includes 1 DSL provider offering broadband service over copper telephone lines. For the city's 913,175 residents, DSL represents a practical internet choice, especially in areas of this Midwest large city where cable or fiber is limited. AT&T Internet leads with coverage spanning about 78.4% of the metro.
DSL Internet Providers in Columbus: Comparison Table
| Provider | Max Speed | Starting Price | Coverage | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Internet | 100 Mbps | $55/mo | 78.4% | 1-855-850-5977 |
DSL Internet Providers Serving Columbus, OH
Here is a detailed look at each DSL provider serving Columbus, including their plan options, technology, and coverage footprint.
AT&T Internet DSL Internet in Columbus
With 78.4% area coverage in Columbus, AT&T Internet provides DSL service over the local copper loop network.
Subscribers to AT&T Internet DSL in Columbus receive a dedicated connection that is not shared with neighbors, unlike cable internet. This can result in more consistent speeds during peak evening hours when network congestion is highest.
- Internet 100: 100 Mbps download for $55/mo (VDSL2/IPBB technology)
- Internet 25: 25 Mbps download for $55/mo (ADSL2+ technology)
View AT&T Internet DSL plans for Columbus →
Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet DSL availability at your Columbus address.
For a non-DSL option in Columbus, Spectrum offers service via Cable. Call 1-844-481-5997 to learn about Spectrum plans.
While T-Mobile does not offer DSL in Columbus, it provides alternative internet service. Call 1-844-275-9311 to learn about T-Mobile plans.
HughesNet serves Columbus with Satellite technology. Call 1-855-543-5405 to learn about HughesNet plans.
Consider Verizon Fios as an alternative to DSL in Columbus if coverage is available. Call 1-855-387-1456 to learn about Verizon Fios plans.
For a non-DSL option in Columbus, Viasat offers service via Satellite. Call 1-855-463-9333 to learn about Viasat plans.
DSL Technology Explained for Columbus Residents
Digital Subscriber Line internet in Columbus works by transmitting data over copper telephone cables using frequencies above the voice band. This allows simultaneous phone calls and internet usage on the same line without interference. Two variants are common in the Ohio market: ADSL (Asymmetric DSL), which allocates more bandwidth to downloads than uploads, and VDSL2, which supports symmetrical or near-symmetrical speeds at shorter distances from the provider's equipment.
Throughout Columbus, the distance between your home and the closest DSLAM is the single biggest factor affecting your DSL speed. A DSLAM is a specialized piece of networking equipment, often housed in a roadside cabinet or inside a telephone central office. In the Midwest region, telephone companies have deployed additional DSLAMs over the years to improve speeds in high-demand areas. If your Columbus address is within 3,000 feet of a DSLAM, you may qualify for VDSL2 speeds of 50-100 Mbps. At 10,000 feet or more, expect ADSL speeds in the 5-15 Mbps range.
The condition of the copper loop matters significantly for DSL performance in Columbus. Signal loss increases with older wiring, corroded connections, and the presence of bridge taps, which are unterminated wire segments left from old telephone installations. Having a technician evaluate and clean up your copper line can sometimes result in measurable speed improvements.
DSL plans in Columbus commonly include unlimited data, a feature that sets them apart from many satellite and fixed wireless alternatives. This makes DSL a practical option for remote workers, students attending virtual classes, and families who stream content throughout the day. Phone line bundling options are also available from several DSL providers in Columbus, offering potential savings for households that want both internet and landline telephone service.
How to Choose the Best DSL Provider in Columbus
Selecting the right DSL internet provider in Columbus involves evaluating several factors specific to your address and household needs. Start by checking which providers actually have coverage at your location, as DSL availability can vary block by block depending on the copper network layout. Next, consider the speed tier you need: basic web browsing and email require only 10-15 Mbps, while streaming HD video on multiple devices may call for 50-100 Mbps VDSL2 service.
Price is another important factor for Columbus DSL shoppers. Compare the monthly rates for similar speed tiers among available providers, and look carefully at whether the advertised price includes a promotional discount that will increase after 12 months. Some providers in the Ohio market offer price-lock guarantees that keep your rate fixed for the contract term.
Contract terms differ among DSL providers serving Columbus. Some require a one- or two-year agreement with early termination fees, while others offer month-to-month service with no commitment. If you are renting in Columbus or anticipate moving, a no-contract option may provide more flexibility. Equipment rental fees for the DSL modem or gateway also vary and should be factored into the total monthly cost.
Finally, consider customer service reputation. Reading reviews from other Columbus DSL subscribers can provide insight into installation experience, reliability, and technical support quality. The Midwest region has varying levels of provider investment in infrastructure maintenance, so local feedback can be especially valuable for making an informed decision.
DSL Availability Across Columbus Neighborhoods
DSL internet coverage in Columbus, OH varies by neighborhood based on the copper telephone network layout. Areas closer to the city's telephone central offices and remote DSLAMs generally receive higher DSL speeds. With 913,175 residents spread across the large city's footprint, the experience differs significantly between dense urban blocks and more spread-out suburban communities.
In the Columbus internet market, DSL competes with 8 other technology types including cable, fiber, 5G home internet, and satellite. DSL's key advantages in this competitive landscape include no data caps on most plans, a dedicated (non-shared) connection, and broad availability through existing phone lines. These features make DSL especially valuable in Columbus neighborhoods still waiting for next-generation broadband deployment.
For renters in Columbus who may move frequently, DSL offers the convenience of using standard telephone wiring already present in virtually every apartment and house. Installation is often simpler and faster than cable or fiber, with many providers able to activate DSL service remotely or with a self-installation kit. This ease of setup makes DSL a practical choice for the mobile population in Columbus's Midwest market.
Frequently Asked Questions About DSL Internet in Columbus
What is the difference between ADSL and VDSL2?
ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) reaches up to 24 Mbps and works at longer distances from the DSLAM, up to about 18,000 feet. VDSL2 (Very-high-bit-rate DSL 2) offers speeds up to 100 Mbps but requires a shorter copper loop, typically under 5,000 feet. Both technologies use existing copper telephone wiring.
Do DSL internet plans in Columbus have data caps?
Most DSL internet plans available in Columbus do not include monthly data caps. Unlike satellite and some mobile broadband services, DSL providers in Ohio generally offer unlimited data usage on residential plans, making them suitable for streaming, remote work, and everyday browsing.
How reliable is DSL internet in Columbus?
DSL internet in Columbus is generally reliable because each subscriber has a dedicated copper connection to the DSLAM. Outages are typically caused by physical line damage or central office equipment issues rather than network congestion. Older copper wiring may be more susceptible to weather-related signal degradation, but modern DSL equipment handles most conditions well.
Can I bundle DSL internet with phone service in Columbus?
Yes, most DSL providers in Columbus offer bundles that include both internet and home phone service over the same copper telephone line. Bundling typically saves $5-20 per month compared to purchasing each service separately. Ask your provider about current bundle pricing when you call.
What equipment do I need for DSL internet in Columbus?
To use DSL internet in Columbus, you need a DSL modem (or combination modem-router gateway) and DSL line filters for any phone jacks in use. Most providers include a modem with service, either for a monthly rental fee or included at no extra charge. A separate Wi-Fi router may be needed if the provided modem does not include wireless capability.
Is DSL internet fast enough for streaming in Columbus?
DSL internet in Columbus can support streaming depending on your speed tier. VDSL2 plans at 50-100 Mbps handle HD and 4K streaming on multiple devices comfortably. Even ADSL plans at 15-25 Mbps can support HD streaming on one or two devices simultaneously. For best results, connect your streaming device via ethernet when possible.
Related Internet Resources for Columbus
- Internet Providers in Columbus, OH
- Cheap Internet in Columbus
- Fiber Internet in Columbus
- Cable Internet in Columbus
- Internet Providers in Ohio
- DSL vs Cable Internet Comparison
- Internet Speed Guide
Our team researches and evaluates DSL internet providers in Columbus to help you make informed decisions. Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission if you sign up through them. This does not affect our rankings or recommendations, which are based on objective coverage data and plan details.