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DSL can still be a workable option where fiber or cable aren’t available. It isn’t as fast as fiber, and its footprint continues to shrink as providers retire copper and expand fiber and fixed wireless access — a trend documented in the FCC’s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report. Using the FCC’s Broadband Data Collection (BDC), the latest snapshots covering late‑2023 to late‑2024 show fiber available to roughly 65–70% of broadband‑serviceable locations, cable around ~88–90%, fixed wireless access (FWA) ~45–55%, and DSL down to roughly one‑fifth to one‑quarter and declining (source). Because the FCC evaluates “advanced” broadband against a 100/20 Mbps benchmark, most DSL tiers no longer meet that standard (FCC Broadband Progress Reports). Public funding via the BEAD program prioritizes end‑to‑end fiber, accelerating the transition. We reviewed major DSL providers using current advertised speeds, availability, pricing/contract norms, and third‑party benchmarks to help you decide.
The Best DSL Internet Service Providers
- AT&T: Clearest pricing and 21‑state footprint
- CenturyLink: Legacy DSL in a 16‑state footprint
- Frontier: No contract required (in many areas)
- Verizon: Limited legacy DSL availability
| Reviews.com Score | Availability | Bandwidth | J.D. Power Customer Service Rating | |
| AT&T | 4/5 | 21 states | Up to 100 Mbps | Top performer in multiple regions in the latest J.D. Power ISP study; see South region details here |
| CenturyLink | 3/5 | 16 states | Up to 100 Mbps | Regional scores vary; consult J.D. Power’s ISP regional pages for specifics |
| Frontier | 2/5 | 25 states | Up to 115 Mbps | Regional scores vary; consult ACSI and J.D. Power for provider‑level results |
| Verizon | 3/5 | Northeast & Mid-Atlantic (limited pockets) | Up to 15 Mbps | Consistently strong in the East region; see J.D. Power East overview here |
*Data current as of 2025. Coverage ranges reflect the FCC’s latest BDC vintages through late‑2024; see the FCC’s 2024 Communications Marketplace Report and BDC datasets.
AT&T – Clearest Pricing Plans
PROVIDER SCORE: 4/5
AT&T’s legacy copper/IPBB options remain in select non‑fiber areas with straightforward plan disclosures and labels. AT&T is actively transitioning off copper by expanding fiber and, in some markets, fixed wireless as a copper replacement (AT&T Internet Air typically delivers ~75–225 Mbps download; availability varies) and through its Gigapower joint venture with BlackRock (learn more). For customers without fiber, IPBB tiers can cover email, POS, and basic cloud use, but most plans fall below the FCC’s 100/20 Mbps benchmark (source).
Pricing and terms: Based on current market norms and required Broadband Labels, expect base rates often in the ~$40–$65/mo range for entry DSL tiers, plus equipment fees (~$10–$15/mo) and one‑time installation/activation (~$50–$100). AT&T’s labels disclose whether a rate is promotional and any autopay requirements. Data caps are generally not imposed on current DSL offers from major providers; verify at checkout on the plan’s label.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Addresses served by legacy copper/IPBB Simple, clearly listed plan options | Companies needing gigabit or symmetrical uploads Locations prioritizing immediate fiber builds |
Availability: 3/5
AT&T’s services are available in 21 states. The company concentrates new builds on fiber, while fixed wireless fills select gaps. As FTTP overlays complete, copper DSL/IPBB availability continues to contract (FCC 2024 CMR).
Bandwidth: 4/5
AT&T advertises up to 100 Mbps on copper/IPBB where available. Real‑world speeds depend on loop length and whether performance features like vectoring and pair bonding are deployed. Where fiber is available, AT&T markets symmetrical tiers up to 5 Gbps (AT&T Fiber).
Customer Service: 5/5
In regional J.D. Power ISP studies, AT&T performs strongly in multiple regions; see the South region detail page here. ACSI’s telecommunications results place the ISP category in the mid‑60s to high‑60s (0–100 scale) industry‑wide, with fiber‑led brands generally scoring above legacy copper peers (ACSI).
Further Reading:
CenturyLink – Best Downtime Compensation
PROVIDER SCORE: 3/5
No one wants to deal with internet outages. Even brief disruptions can impact productivity and sales. CenturyLink markets low downtime on “Simply Unlimited” plans and publishes plan‑specific labels detailing typical speeds, latency, and fees (provider page; FCC labels). In many upgraded areas, Lumen’s separate Quantum Fiber brand offers FTTH (including multi‑gig), while CenturyLink‑branded DSL persists where fiber has not yet been built.
Pricing and terms: CenturyLink’s Simply Unlimited DSL commonly runs month‑to‑month (no annual contract), with unlimited data. Expect equipment charges (~$10–$15/mo) and one‑time installation/activation (~$50–$100), as disclosed on the Broadband Label. Exact speeds and rates vary by address.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Businesses that can’t afford internet interruptions Customers needing clear SLAs and outage credits | Flexible contractual commitments Businesses that require higher upload speeds or fiber-first options |
Availability: 3/5
CenturyLink is available in 16 states, primarily across parts of the Mountain West, Midwest, and the South. Coverage is transitioning toward FTTP where feasible as public funding and private capital prioritize fiber (BEAD).
Bandwidth: 3/5
As with most ISPs, speeds vary by area and depend on plant condition. CenturyLink’s DSL bandwidth runs up to 100 Mbps where available, with vectored VDSL2 and bonding improving short‑loop performance. Where fiber is available under CenturyLink or Quantum Fiber, tiers up to ~940 Mbps or multi‑gig are marketed.
Customer Service: 3/5
ACSI scores for ISPs typically sit in the mid‑60s to high‑60s (0–100); fiber‑based brands tend to lead (ACSI). J.D. Power’s regional ISP studies publish provider rankings and index scores by region; use the latest study pages to see CenturyLink’s position relative to cable/fiber competitors (J.D. Power press releases).
Further Reading:
Frontier – No Contract Required
PROVIDER SCORE: 2/5
Customers who want flexibility may prefer to avoid long‑term commitments. Where Frontier still offers DSL, month‑to‑month options in some areas help avoid ETFs while you wait for fiber builds. Frontier increasingly emphasizes fiber — with symmetrical tiers up to 5 Gbps in select areas (Frontier Fiber) — and limits new copper activations as overlays arrive.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| Consumers wanting to avoid long contracts Companies looking for straightforward DSL in non‑fiber areas | Users needing higher speeds or symmetrical uploads |
Availability: 3/5
Frontier offers internet service in 25 states and although the internet may be available in your state, it’s common for service to vary from city to city within a state. It’s always best to check for availability online by entering your zip code.
Bandwidth: 3/5
Frontier’s remaining copper tiers can reach up to ~115 Mbps in select VDSL2/bonded areas, adequate for email, accounting, and light conferencing. Lower ADSL tiers are common on longer loops. Where fiber is available, Frontier markets symmetrical 1–5 Gbps plans (source).
Customer Service: 1/5
Industry benchmarks show fiber brands generally outperform DSL on satisfaction. See ACSI’s telecommunications results (ACSI) and region‑specific J.D. Power ISP studies for current provider rankings and index scores in Frontier markets (J.D. Power).
Verizon – Highest-Rated Customer Service
PROVIDER SCORE: 3/5
A new customer or small business may rely on provider support to solve technical issues. Verizon’s legacy DSL persists only in limited pockets not served by Fios; where available, customers often value accessible support and clear guidance during upgrades or migration to fiber or, in some areas, to fixed wireless via 5G Home Internet.
| ✓ Best For: | ✗ Not For: |
| New businesses needing more technical support than average Customers in limited non‑Fios pockets of the Northeast/Mid‑Atlantic | Customers needing higher speeds or symmetrical uploads |
Availability: 1/5
Verizon internet is available in limited pockets of its Northeast and Mid-Atlantic footprint and the District of Columbia. Even in covered states, legacy DSL service is increasingly constrained as Fios and fixed wireless expand. See availability details.
Bandwidth: 3/5
Verizon’s remaining DSL tiers top out at up to 15 Mbps where Fios is not available. In Fios markets, Verizon offers symmetrical 300 Mbps–2 Gbps tiers (Fios).
Customer Service: 5/5
Verizon performs strongly in J.D. Power’s East region ISP study; see the regional page here. ACSI’s 0–100 index places ISPs in the mid‑to‑high‑60s overall, with fiber‑based services like Fios generally leading legacy copper (ACSI).
Further Reading:
How to Choose Your Provider
Evaluate speed options
DSL top tiers generally peak at up to 100 Mbps (Frontier’s copper can reach ~115 Mbps in select areas; Verizon’s legacy DSL tops out around 15 Mbps). The FCC now assesses “advanced” broadband against a 100/20 Mbps benchmark, so many DSL tiers do not qualify (FCC Broadband Progress). In some cabinets, VDSL2 vectoring (ITU‑T G.993.5), profile 35b, retransmission (G.inp), and pair bonding can improve results; however, DSL innovation has largely plateaued and deployment of short‑loop G.fast (G.9701) or MGfast (G.9711) remains limited.
Prep your home for DSL
If your home or business is not wired for DSL service yet, your service provider will send a technician to install the product. Make sure the area where the cables will be run is free and clear so the technician can access them quickly. Choose a central spot, so a connected router can transmit wifi throughout the property. Where self‑install is offered, your Broadband Label and order flow will disclose any shipping, activation, or installation charges (FCC labels).
Test your speeds
Once you know the speed your ISP claims you’ll receive, test your internet speed regularly and compare it with the “typical speeds” and latency shown on your provider’s Broadband Label. If you notice a decline in your company’s DSL speeds, contact your service provider right away so you can receive guided troubleshooting to pinpoint and fix the issue.
Consider fiber or cable
Where available, fiber is now the fastest and most reliable fixed internet, and cable networks continue to upgrade speeds; both have been expanding while copper-based DSL contracts, per the FCC’s 2024 report. Current FCC BDC snapshots show fiber available to roughly 65–70% of locations, cable around ~88–90%, and fixed wireless access to ~45–55% (availability can overlap across technologies; see the BDC datasets). Independent testing shows fiber leads on speed and reliability, while U.S. 5G FWA often delivers 100–300 Mbps, easily outpacing DSL in many markets (Ookla Q2 2024; see FWA expansion from T‑Mobile and Verizon).
If you have the option to subscribe to fiber, it’s typically worth it. Multi‑gig fiber tiers (2–5 Gbps+) are now common across AT&T (up to 5 Gbps), Frontier (up to 5 Gbps), and Lumen’s Quantum Fiber (up to 8 Gbps), while most DSL tops out near 100–115 Mbps in the best copper areas.
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