DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a high speed Internet service that uses existing phone lines to connect to special DSL modems and your computer. There are many DSL Internet providers, but because this technology keeps changing, companies have a tendency to come and go quickly. However, DSL service is still a competitive force in the market due to many of the advantages of this type of high speed Internet service.

DSL service generally provides speeds from 1.544 Mbps to 512 Kbps downstream, and 128 Kbps upstream. DSL can reach these high speeds because DSL providers have access to the full spectrum of broadband through normal telephone lines. Regular dial-up modems and voice transference only take up a small portion of the broadband available.

There are some negative aspects of DSL service, one of which is the fact that you must be near a central telephone hub to achieve a usable DSL data signal. If you live in an area accessible to the service, providers in your neighborhood shouldn't be too hard to find. A DSL service provider will set up the service within a reasonable amount of time, so you can be surfing the Internet soon after signing up.

There is more than one reputable DSL service provider from which to choose - three of the largest are SBC, AT&T, and BellSouth. Many people choose a company such as SBC because of the many services it provides to consumers, which smaller providers may not be able to offer. The same is true for providers such as AT&T, and BellSouth.

AT&T is a popular choice out of the many DSL Internet providers currently operating. AT&T is a reputable service provider that provides everything you need at set up time, and is known for good service. You don't have to worry about setting up DSL modems on your computer, or anything else that needs installation from the start. AT&T is a reliable service you may want to consider signing up for.

The advantage of a DSL service is that you can continue to use your phone line for voice calls without interrupting your Internet connection. Compared to regular dial-up service, the modems offer significantly higher speeds, and because you can use the phone lines already in place, signing up with providers is quite simple.

Also, when you sign up with a DSL service provider, the company usually includes a modem as part of the installation.

What are the disadvantages? Not everyone has DSL providers available in their local area because you have to be located near a central service provider center. DSL modems can't pick up signals that are too far away, and the farther away you are from a central telephone hub, the weaker the signals become. In addition, with providers, receiving data is faster than sending it.

No matter what high speed Internet service you end up choosing, know that DSL Internet is still a viable option. With high speeds and a wide coverage area, Digital Subscriber Lines allows you to get broadband Internet at home for an affordable price.