Can someone explain DSL to me??

[disneysnowflake]

I have cable internet and have had it for years.

Before cable internet I had *gasp* Web TV. lmbo.

I love my cable internet.

My elderly parents have Dial Up. They are paying $15 a month for dial up.

Their computer died, so DH and I are buying them a new one next month.

Their dial up provider they have to pay in full for an entire year. Starting in Sept. the dial up service wants $20 a month paid in full for the entire year ($240 due Sept 1). That's a rip off, imho. They get constant disconnects, busy signals, etc. The other dial up providers that are available in their rural area also are $20 a month if you pay up front in full for a year. Other national dial up like People PC they can't use since they'd have to dial a long distance number every time they connect to the internet.

They refuse to pay for cable internet, which is about $45 a month. I can understand that. We've offered to pay, but they refuse.

Their only other option is DSL.

They can sign up with Verizon for $14.99 a month for the first year. It's Up to 768 Kbps/128 Kbps.

After the first year they have to go month to month, according to Verizon. It then jumps to $37.99 a month. It would be a higher speed service, I'm told.. Up to 3 Mbps/768 Kbps.

What is the difference be between Dial Up and the cheaper version of DSL offered as a 1 year trial package through Verizon? Is it worth it to upgrade to the lower end DSL, or would you suggest remaining with Dial Up?

My dad is very cautious about money. He likes to keep in touch with his family out of state via email. He also likes to look at online store ads, etc. My mom refuses to use email, but her life long friend will email her. My mom insists there are people reading her emails and doesn't trust it. You know how that goes.

I know there are pretty bright people on DIS. I thought I'd take a shot and ask.

Would you suggest his sticking with Dial Up at $20 a month, or give this lower end DSL a try for a year?

Oh, and do they need a separate phone line to get DSL? Will they get a busy signal like they do with dial up if you are connected the internet?

Thanks!!!

 

[RadioNate]

DSL is a broadband connection, just like your cable internet.

There is no way I would choose a dial up connection over DSL.

You can use your existing phone line. You just need to add the filters which the phone company provides for free. If they have hardwired phones those will have to be removed and put onto jacks. DSL is a constant connection just like cable internet, they will be able to use their phone and get calls. There will be no busy signals or any hang ups like dial up.

this might help
http://www.dslreports.com/faq

http://www22.verizon.com/ForHomeDSL/channels/dsl/learnmore/faqs/default.asp

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/vz

 

[disneysnowflake]

Thanks!!

 

[mojophone]

I don't know about Verizon DSL but I can tell you about The New AT&T powered by SBC DSL. It is awesome and well worth the cost and the best part is that you don't need another phone line. You can talk and surf the net all at the same time due to special conditioning of the lines and other electronic devices. make sure to ask what the distance from the residence to the Central Office is because if you are more than 18,000 feet out the signal is very poor

 

[drakethib]

DSL over dial up without question.

My bet is that your parents will use the PC much more once they don't have to wait forever to view a web page.