DSL Internet: Availability, Speeds & Providers (2026)

What Is DSL Internet?

DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) internet transmits data over traditional copper telephone lines. Unlike dial-up, DSL uses frequencies above the voice band, allowing you to use the internet and make phone calls simultaneously. DSL has been a broadband staple since the early 2000s and still serves millions of Americans.

While DSL technology is aging compared to fiber and cable, it remains relevant in 2026 for several reasons: wide availability through existing phone infrastructure, affordable pricing, and dedicated connections that do not share bandwidth with neighbors like cable does.

Types of DSL Connections

Not all DSL is the same. The type of DSL technology determines your maximum speeds:

• ADSL (Asymmetric DSL): Most common type. Download speeds up to 24 Mbps, upload up to 3.5 Mbps. Best for web browsing and standard streaming.
• ADSL2+: Enhanced version reaching up to 24 Mbps download. Widely deployed across older networks.
• VDSL (Very-high-bit-rate DSL): Reaches up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload but requires shorter distance to the DSLAM (usually under 1,000 feet). Often paired with fiber-to-the-node deployments.
• VDSL2: The fastest DSL standard at up to 300 Mbps download over very short distances, though real-world speeds are typically 50-100 Mbps.

DSL performance is heavily affected by the distance from your home to the nearest telephone exchange or DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer). The farther you are, the slower your connection. Homes within 5,000 feet of the DSLAM get the best speeds.

DSL Internet Providers (2026)

Many traditional phone companies still offer DSL, though most are transitioning to fiber. Here are the major DSL providers:

Note: AT&T and Frontier are actively replacing DSL with fiber. If you currently have DSL from these providers, check if fiber upgrades are available at your address.

DSL Speeds and Performance

DSL speeds vary widely based on your distance from the provider's equipment and the type of DSL technology available:

If your DSL speeds are consistently under 10 Mbps, you may want to explore alternatives like fixed wireless, satellite internet, or 5G home internet.

DSL vs. Cable vs. Fiber vs. Satellite

DSL's main advantage is its dedicated connection (no shared bandwidth) and wide availability. However, it is significantly slower than cable and fiber. If speed matters, explore affordable cable or fiber plans first.

Who Should Choose DSL?

DSL is a reasonable choice in these situations:

• No cable/fiber available: In rural areas where DSL is the only wired option
• Light internet usage: Email, web browsing, social media, and standard-definition streaming
• Budget-conscious users: DSL plans are among the most affordable at $25-40/month
• Seniors: Simple plans with enough speed for basic needs
• No-contract needed: Most DSL providers do not require contracts

DSL is NOT recommended for gaming, 4K streaming, large households, or work-from-home with video conferencing. For these uses, consider cable, fiber, or 5G home internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

DSL Equipment and Setup

Setting up DSL internet requires specific equipment and understanding of how the connection works in your home. Unlike cable internet, DSL uses your existing telephone wiring, which means installation is typically straightforward but comes with some unique considerations.

DSL Modem

A DSL modem connects to your telephone line through an RJ-11 jack and converts the DSL signal into Ethernet for your router or computer. Most DSL providers offer a gateway device that combines the modem and router into one unit. However, purchasing your own DSL modem can improve performance and save on rental fees.

Key specifications to look for in a DSL modem include VDSL2 support (for the fastest DSL speeds), Vectoring and G.fast compatibility (for newer DSL deployments), and at least one Gigabit Ethernet port. Popular models include the TP-Link TD-W9970 and Netgear DM200.

DSL Filters

DSL filters are small devices that plug into your phone jacks to separate the DSL signal from voice telephone signals. Without filters, you may hear buzzing on your phone line or experience reduced DSL performance. Every phone jack in your home that has a device plugged into it (phone, fax, alarm system) needs a DSL filter, except the jack where your DSL modem is connected.

Most DSL providers include filters with your installation kit at no charge. If you need additional filters, they cost $5-10 each at electronics retailers. Some newer DSL installations use a whole-house filter installed at your network interface device (NID) outside, eliminating the need for individual jack filters.

Wiring Quality

DSL performance depends heavily on the quality of your home telephone wiring. Older homes with degraded copper wiring may experience slower speeds and more connection issues. If your DSL speeds are significantly below what your provider advertises, consider having a technician inspect your home wiring. Replacing old phone wiring with new CAT5e or CAT6 cable between the NID and your modem location can sometimes improve speeds by 20-40%.

Alternatives to DSL Internet

If your DSL speeds are too slow for your needs, several alternatives may be available at your address. The best replacement depends on your location and what infrastructure exists nearby.

Fiber Upgrades

Many DSL providers are actively replacing their copper networks with fiber optic infrastructure. AT&T, Frontier, and CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) have all committed to fiber expansion programs. If you currently have DSL from one of these providers, check their website periodically to see if fiber has been deployed to your address. The upgrade typically requires a new installation but delivers dramatically better performance at a similar or slightly higher monthly price.

5G Home Internet

T-Mobile 5G Home Internet ($50/month) and Verizon 5G Home ($60/month) are available to a growing number of rural and suburban addresses. These services often deliver 100-300 Mbps, which is 2-10 times faster than typical DSL connections. The self-install process is simple (just plug in the gateway device), and there are no contracts or data caps.

Fixed Wireless

Regional fixed wireless providers (WISPs) serve many of the same areas as DSL, often with better speeds. Over 700 WISPs operate across the United States, providing 25-200 Mbps service via radio signals from local towers. Check our ZIP code tool to find WISPs serving your area.

Satellite Internet

If all else fails, Starlink satellite internet ($120/month, 50-500 Mbps) is available nearly everywhere with a clear sky view. While more expensive than DSL, Starlink's speeds and latency (20-40 ms) are dramatically better than most DSL connections. For budget-conscious users, HughesNet ($49.99/month) and Viasat ($49.99-149.99/month) offer lower-cost satellite options, though with higher latency.

How to Maximize Your DSL Speed

If you are stuck with DSL for the time being, several optimizations can help you get the best possible performance from your connection.

• Minimize cable length: Use the shortest possible telephone cable between your wall jack and DSL modem. Longer cables introduce signal loss.
• Eliminate splitters: Each splitter in the line between the NID and your modem reduces signal quality. Connect your modem as directly as possible to the incoming phone line.
• Use quality DSL filters: Cheap or failing filters can degrade your connection. Replace filters if they are more than 3-4 years old.
• Check for line noise: Pick up a phone on the same line as your DSL (with a filter). If you hear static, crackling, or humming, report it to your provider for a line repair.
• Update modem firmware: Check your modem manufacturer's website for firmware updates that may improve performance and stability.
• Position matters: Connect your modem to the phone jack closest to where the phone line enters your home for the shortest internal wire run.
• Request a line profile update: Call your ISP and ask them to reset or re-train your line profile. This can sometimes unlock higher speeds if your line conditions have improved.

Even with all optimizations, DSL speeds are fundamentally limited by your distance from the DSLAM. If maximum DSL speeds at your address are under 10 Mbps, it may be time to explore alternative connection types listed above.

The Decline and Future of DSL

DSL technology is gradually being phased out as providers transition to fiber optic networks. Understanding this transition helps you plan for future connectivity and take advantage of upgrade opportunities as they become available.

Provider Transition Plans

AT&T has officially stopped selling new DSL service and is actively replacing its copper network with fiber. Existing DSL customers can continue service, but AT&T encourages switching to AT&T Fiber where available. Frontier Communications is similarly replacing DSL with fiber across its 25-state footprint, investing billions in its fiber buildout program. CenturyLink (Quantum Fiber) is deploying fiber to replace DSL in many markets, though DSL remains available in areas not yet reached by fiber.

If you currently use DSL, check your provider's website every few months to see if fiber has become available at your address. The transition from DSL to fiber typically involves a new installation but provides dramatically better speeds at a similar monthly cost. Many providers waive installation fees for customers upgrading from DSL to fiber.

Copper Retirement

The FCC allows carriers to retire copper infrastructure after providing notice to affected customers. When copper retirement occurs, you will receive notice from your provider and options for alternative service (usually fiber or fixed wireless). This process is accelerating as carriers invest in fiber and seek to reduce the maintenance costs of aging copper networks. If your DSL speeds are declining, it may be a sign that your provider is reducing investment in the copper network in your area ahead of a planned retirement.