Strip down your DSL

One of my readers posed a question in the comments of the article "Reduce The Cost of Your Phone Line" and I felt that this would make a good article on it's own.

For the benefit of all the readers, here's a summary of the question:

"Don't you need a hyped-up land line for running your DSL internet connection? I never use my land line other than when solicitors demand a phone number..so I really wouldn't even need that basic package you talk about for emergencies, ect. But, I LIVE by the internet, and I pay about $75 a month for my land line and DSL coverage...HELP!"

To answer the first part of the question, If you decide to keep your phone line, all that is necessary is the most basic line. I am currently running DSL this way. If you wish to keep your line and want to downgrade it to the cheapest possible cost, ask for a POTS line with no frills (POTS is an acronym for Plain Old Telephone Service). It should cost between $6-$9 plus taxes.

As for your question regarding the elimination of the phone line, there is good news for you.

Both AT&T & Verizon offer "Dry-Loop" DSL, commonly referred to as "Naked DSL". This is DSL without a phone line. You probably have not heard of it, as both companies are keeping it very quiet - and for good reason. They stand to lose lots of money if everyone dropped their phone line and did not convert to the naked DSL.

Before the beginning of this year, you could have DSL service without a line, but the cost was $50 a month. Due to the intervention of the FCC both AT&T & Verizon were forced to offer Naked DSL, which comes without the phone line. The Speed is rated at 768KBps, but the cost is only $19.95 a month. It does require a 1-year commitment.

To learn more about high-speed Internet without a voice line, contact your internet provider.

AT&T Customers:
Call 1-800-288-2020

Verizon customers:
1-800-567-6789

This option may not be available in all areas.