Best DSL Internet Providers in Houston, Texas (2026)

The leading DSL internet provider in Houston is AT&T Internet, covering approximately 68.5% 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.

DSL internet remains a dependable connectivity option for residents throughout Houston, Texas. With 2 DSL providers serving the major metro area, households across the Southwest region can access broadband speeds delivered over existing telephone infrastructure. As of February 2026, AT&T Internet leads DSL coverage in Houston at approximately 68.5% of the metro area.

DSL Internet Providers in Houston: Comparison Table

Provider	Max Speed	Starting Price	Coverage	Phone
AT&T Internet	100 Mbps	$55/mo	68.5%	1-855-850-5977
Consolidated Communications / Fidium	Up to 25 Mbps	$45/mo	5.8%

DSL Internet Providers Serving Houston, TX

Here is a detailed look at each DSL provider serving Houston, including their plan options, technology, and coverage footprint.

AT&T Internet DSL Internet in Houston

AT&T Internet serves an estimated 68.5% of Houston addresses with DSL-based broadband connectivity.

The quality of your AT&T Internet DSL connection in Houston depends primarily on the distance between your home and the nearest Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM). Shorter copper loops deliver faster, more reliable speeds.

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 Houston →

Call 1-855-850-5977 to check AT&T Internet DSL availability at your Houston address.

Consolidated Communications / Fidium DSL Internet in Houston

Consolidated Communications / Fidium delivers DSL internet to approximately 5.8% of Houston through its copper telephone network infrastructure.

Subscribers to Consolidated Communications / Fidium DSL in Houston 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.

DSL Internet: Up to 25 Mbps download for $45/mo (ADSL2+/VDSL technology)

View Consolidated Communications / Fidium DSL plans for Houston →

Xfinity serves Houston with Cable, Fiber technology. Call 1-844-963-0138 to learn about Xfinity plans.

Consider Optimum as an alternative to DSL in Houston if coverage is available. Call 1-866-200-7273 to learn about Optimum plans.

For a non-DSL option in Houston, T-Mobile offers service via 5G, Fixed Wireless, Mobile. Call 1-844-275-9311 to learn about T-Mobile plans.

While HughesNet does not offer DSL in Houston, it provides alternative internet service. Call 1-855-543-5405 to learn about HughesNet plans.

Verizon Fios serves Houston with Fiber technology. Call 1-855-387-1456 to learn about Verizon Fios plans.

DSL Internet Technology in the Houston Market

The DSL internet landscape in Houston, TX is built on decades of copper telephone infrastructure. Today, two primary DSL technologies serve local homes: ADSL2+ with speeds reaching up to 24 Mbps, and VDSL2 delivering up to 100 Mbps. The technology available at any particular Houston address depends on the length of copper wire between the home and the nearest DSLAM, a piece of equipment that bridges the telephone company's fiber backbone to the copper last-mile network.

Distance-to-DSLAM is the defining factor for DSL speed in Houston. At 1,000 feet, VDSL2 performs near its maximum capability. By 5,000 feet, speeds typically drop to 25-50 Mbps. Beyond 10,000 feet, the connection falls back to ADSL2+ levels in the 5-15 Mbps range. Houston neighborhoods vary widely in their proximity to DSLAMs, so checking exact availability at your address before selecting a plan is essential. Providers serving the Southwest region have installed additional street-level DSLAMs in recent years to improve speeds in residential pockets.

One of DSL's strongest selling points for Houston residents is the dedicated nature of the copper pair. Unlike cable internet, which shares a coaxial node among multiple houses, each DSL subscriber's connection runs independently to the DSLAM. This dedicated path eliminates the congestion slowdowns that cable users sometimes experience during peak evening hours.

For Houston households without access to fiber or cable internet, DSL provides a reliable wired broadband option that avoids the latency challenges of satellite service. Most DSL plans in the Texas market include unlimited data, and many can be bundled with traditional home phone service for a reduced combined rate. This makes DSL a practical choice for budget-conscious consumers in Houston who need dependable everyday internet service.

How to Choose the Best DSL Provider in Houston

Selecting the right DSL internet provider in Houston 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 Houston 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 Texas market offer price-lock guarantees that keep your rate fixed for the contract term.

Contract terms differ among DSL providers serving Houston. 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 Houston 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 Houston DSL subscribers can provide insight into installation experience, reliability, and technical support quality. The Southwest region has varying levels of provider investment in infrastructure maintenance, so local feedback can be especially valuable for making an informed decision.

Local DSL Internet Insights for Houston, Texas

As a major metro of 2,314,157 in the Southwest, Houston has a mature copper telephone infrastructure that supports DSL service across most residential areas. The Houston metro area's topology influences DSL availability: central neighborhoods typically enjoy proximity to telephone central offices and remote DSLAMs, translating to faster VDSL2 speeds, while outlying areas may be limited to ADSL.

Houston residents often compare DSL to the 11 total internet providers serving the area. While fiber and cable may offer higher peak speeds, DSL's dedicated connection and absence of data caps make it attractive for specific use cases. Households on a budget, those in areas without cable infrastructure, and users who value consistent performance over maximum throughput find DSL to be a practical choice in Houston.

Seasonal weather in the Southwest can affect DSL performance. Heavy rain can introduce moisture into older junction boxes and splice points along the copper path, temporarily reducing line quality. If you notice speed fluctuations during severe weather in Houston, contacting your provider for a line check is advisable. In most cases, the issue is an aging splice or corroded connection point that can be repaired to restore full performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About DSL Internet in Houston

What DSL speeds are available in Houston?

DSL speeds in Houston typically range from 15 Mbps (ADSL) to 100 Mbps (VDSL2). Your actual speed depends on the distance between your home and the nearest DSLAM. Homes within 3,000-5,000 feet of a DSLAM may qualify for VDSL2 speeds, while more distant locations will receive ADSL speeds.

Do I need a phone line for DSL in Houston?

DSL in Houston runs over copper telephone wiring, but most providers offer standalone DSL service that does not require active phone service. The copper pair is used for data only, with a splitter separating voice and internet frequencies. You can add phone service as a bundle, but it is not required for DSL internet.

How does DSL internet compare to cable in Houston?

DSL in Houston typically offers lower maximum speeds than cable (up to 100 Mbps vs. 1+ Gbps for cable), but provides a dedicated connection that does not slow down during peak usage hours. Cable internet shares bandwidth among homes on the same node, which can cause congestion. DSL also frequently costs less per month than comparable cable plans.

Can I get DSL internet in rural areas near Houston?

DSL availability in areas surrounding Houston depends on the copper telephone network's reach. Many suburban and semi-rural communities near Houston have DSL access, though speeds may be lower due to longer copper loops. Very remote locations far from any DSLAM may be outside DSL range and would need satellite or fixed wireless alternatives.

What is a DSLAM and why does it matter?

A DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer) is the equipment that connects your copper telephone line to the provider's fiber network. In Houston, DSLAMs are located in telephone central offices and street-side cabinets. The closer your home is to a DSLAM, the faster and more reliable your DSL connection will be.

How long does DSL installation take in Houston?

DSL installation in Houston typically takes 5-10 business days from order to activation. Many providers offer self-installation kits that ship to your Houston address, allowing you to set up service the same day it is activated. Professional installation, which includes a technician visit, may take an additional few days to schedule.

Related Internet Resources for Houston

Our team researches and evaluates DSL internet providers in Houston 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.

About the Author: The InternetProviders.ai editorial team specializes in broadband coverage analysis for cities across the United States. Our DSL coverage data for Houston is derived from FCC broadband availability databases and provider service area maps, updated for 2026.