Naked DSL is a broadband internet service without phone service, aimed at those who use cell phones. It is affordable and requires a DSL modem and router. DSL competes with cable internet, but DSL offers more flexibility and cheaper plans. The speed of plain DSL is affected by the distance from the DSLAM. Companies offering naked DSL include AT&T, Earthlink, Verizon, and Qwest.
Naked Digital Subscriber Line or naked DSL is a broadband Internet service with no phone service, aimed at people who have given up landline phones for cell phones. Also called dry loop, dry loop or unbundled DSL, naked DSL provides all customers with affordable high-speed Internet telecommunications. Naked DSL costs a little more than its bundled cousin, but can still be cheaper than cable Internet alternatives.
DSL is a service that uses standard copper telephone lines to provide an “always on” high-speed Internet connection. The only equipment required is a DSL modem and, if networked, a router. The equipment can be purchased by the subscriber or provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for a fee. Self-installation is quick and painless, with customer service technicians available if help is needed.
DSL service competes directly with cable Internet provided by the local cable TV company. Cable Internet tends to be more expensive than DSL, but usually offers a faster plan. DSL subscribers usually have more flexibility, able to choose from a level of plans that start for much less money, albeit at slower speeds. Plans that overlap in speed with cable plans are generally a little less money when served by a DSL provider. Even cable can have no choice, sometimes offering a single high-speed plan at a premium price. However, cable can also bundle TV and optional digital phone services together, potentially creating savings in other ways.
Offers for plain DSL may be limited to fewer plans than bundled DSL, and because it’s a bit more expensive than bundled DSL, you won’t see enough savings between it and cable, but you’re still likely to have a savings. Aside from price and potential differences in plans, the speed of your plain DSL service won’t be any different than bundled DSL. However, there is one factor that will affect your DSL speed.
As always, the distance between your physical address and the closest DSL Access Multiplier (DSLAM) affects the throughput speeds you’ll enjoy with DSL, with customers closer to you reaching the higher end of the plan’s range than customers who they live further away. Cable Internet customers are unaffected by location, but cable speeds may vary depending on local load or the number of people in the area using cable Internet at any given time. As the load increases, speeds may decrease.
Some companies offering bare DSL include AT&T, Earthlink, Verizon and Qwest. Even with bare DSL turned on there is no dial tone, leaving the “bare” DSL signal on the line, hence the name. For people who may have had a dial-up plan before ditching landlines, even the slowest bare DSL plan will seem lightning fast compared to the glacial slowness of dial-up service. For those ready for something closer to cable speed, there should be a simple DSL plan available to fit your needs and budget.
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