Top DSL Internet Providers in the United States 2024
Nearly 90% of the US population has access to DSL internet. This means that when you are shopping for internet service, chances are that you will find DSL connectivity in your area. However, since numerous internet providers offer DSL, it is quite difficult to choose the one that is right for your household. Therefore, to ensure that users get the best internet deal, in this article, we will list the top DSL internet providers in the United States. So, without further ado, let us get started right away.
What is a DSL Connection?
Digital Subscriber Line, or DSL as it is commonly referred to, is a broadband technology that sends data via telephone lines using high-frequency bands, enabling fast and consistent speeds. Though it is much slower than cable and fiber internet, DSL is still a commendable internet service in most rural areas of the country.
What are the Pros and Cons of DSL Internet?
Pros | Cons |
Widely Available Throughout the Nation | Slower Speeds than Wired Networks |
Highly Economical Prices | Connection Quality Depends on the Distance Between the user and the provider |
No Slow-Downs During Peak Hours | Prone to Disruptions During Harsh Weather Conditions |
Difference between Cable and DSL Internet
Cable | DSL |
Cable internet is delivered via copper cable wires | DSL uses existing telephone lines to transmit internet data |
Cable is usually faster and more robust than DSL | DSL is suitable for up to 3 members at a time |
Cable internet is better for streaming movies, downloading large files, and connecting multiple devices to the web at the same time | DSL is more budget-friendly than other internet options in the country |
Cable internet is hardly available in rural areas due to its extensive network infrastructure | DSL has a better availability score, especially in remote areas |
Top DSL Internet Providers in the United States 2021
In total, there are 896 DSL internet providers in the country. However, AT&T, EarthLink, CenturyLink, and Frontier Communications fall under the category of the best DSL internet provider in the nation based on coverage, speeds, prices, and availability.
1. EarthLink
EarthLink is the largest residential DSL internet provider in the US covering 36 states with the greatest accessibility in New York, Texas, and California. The provider is available to around 175 million customers in the US, which means that you will come across EarthLink in your area. Due to its amazing services, EarthLink has secured the award of “Top 10 Fastest Internet Providers Nationwide 2020”, which is a huge achievement, given the intense competition in the market. Although EarthLink internet plans are a bit expensive, it is still an admirable internet service for most users. Moreover, the company is known for providing outstanding customer support to its clients with 24/7 availability.
2. AT&T
AT&T is the second-largest DSL internet provider in the country reaching millions of customers in 21 different states. Even with a DSL connection, the company offers consistent internet speeds that you might not find anywhere else in the US. Plus, when you sign up for AT&T’s DSL internet, you get to save on your monthly expenses because the company provides a free internet router with its service. In addition to this, AT&T’s prices are highly economical, which gives it an edge over other providers in the industry. AT&T also furnishes an amazing customer support team so that its clients can get their network-related issues resolved as early as possible.
3. Frontier Communications
Frontier is also a large internet provider offering its services in 26 states with the widest coverage in California, Connecticut, and Florida. Frontier provides a DSL internet facility to a whopping population of 30.5 million customers, which makes it one of the most prominent DSL providers in the nation. The company has been catering to the needs of American households since 2008 with DSL internet plans, which start from $37.99 per month for 9 Mbps of internet speed and go up to $54.99 per month for 115 Mbps of internet speeds. The best part about Frontier is that it offers unlimited data with all its plans, allowing customers to consume as much internet as they want.
Our Honorable Mention
Though not a DSL provider, Charter Spectrum is one of the leading cable service providers in the country offering state-of-the-art internet facilities to the residents of the US, which is precisely why the company has made it to our honorable mention list. Spectrum Internet plans start from $49.99 per month for 200 Mbps internet speed and go up to $109.99 per month for 940 Mbps of internet speeds. Moreover, the provider offers unlimited data and access to nationwide hotspots so that you can keep your devices connected to the web even when you are traveling.
These are the best DSL internet providers in the United States this year. Make sure to check the provider’s availability on Local Cable Deals before you start comparing their plans.