Business DSL

Alaska Communications Systems Group Inc. Covad Communications Group Inc DSL.net, Inc.

PSINet Turnstone Systems Incorporated US LEC Corporation

Westell Technologies Inc.

Guide to Business DSL

How to join the business internet fast lane
By Daniel Kehrer

	The 411 on Business DSL Business DSL is a cheap, fast internet connection. Your phone company offers business DSL, but so do specialist business DSL companies and internet providers. Business DSL runs over the same lines as your voice if you add filters to your lines.

It's only three little letters -- D*S*L.  But for speedier web access for your business, what a difference those three letters make. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service over standard phone lines delivers fast 'broadband' style internet access. And while DSL itself comes in several speed variations, the difference between between 'always-on' DSL and old-style dial-up is -- to borrow from Mark Twain -- like the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.  It's something even the smallest business should have, and can afford.

Frankly, if you have a business and don't have DSL (or other high-speed internet access), you're in the buggy whip era. Operating online today -- including email (where you may have to download files) and using web-based business applications -- requires a DSL-or-better connection. DSL is cheap. A home office hookup could be as little as $29 per month, with business DSL starting around $49 per month when bundled with other phone company services.

Here are key steps and considerations:

1) Check DSL services available from your current phone carrier. You may save money by bundling with other services. And since DSL service is distance-sensitive, you'll get a better connection if you are close to a central office.

2) To run your DSL service, you will need a DSL modem (which your service provider will send you and, most likely, charge you for) that connects to your computer. 

3) Depending on the provider and service available on your phone numbers (provider sites let you check availability easily online), you may have a choice of connection speeds, with faster DSL versions costing more per month.  

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check options with your current phone service providers Your local and/or long distance phone company probably offers business DSL service as well.

I recommend:  Whether you use AT&T (business class DSL starting at $49.95), Verizon (periodic special offers of free modem and free month), Sprint or any of the other major regional and national phone firms, most have a business DSL service to offer. Ask about bundled services that can lower your monthly bill.

Shop and compare other DSL providers Bit phone companies aren't the only ones offering business class DSL.

I recommend:  Covad is a company that has specialized in providing DSL to small and mid-sized businesses since 1997.  The company now operates one of the nation's larget DSL networks. Choose from a variety of service offerings to fit your bandwidth, speed and pricing needs. To locate other DSLj providers in your area, check the website everythingDSL. Enter your phone number for providers and special offers on DSL. Other business DSL providers to consider include DSL.net, Qwest and Speakeasy.

Shop where you surf Internet sites and services that you may already use offer DSL services, including Yahoo! and Earthlink.

I recommend:  Yahoo! partners with AT&T to offer a variety of DSL service packages. Earthlink Business Solutions has several business-class internet access solutions to choose from.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Don't forget the DSL filters. Since DSL service runs over the same phone lines you may use for voice or fax, you'll need small filters installed on other phone devices to avoid any interference with the DSL line. These are usually provided free by the DSL service provider and simply plug into the phones/jacks.
• Ask your provider what support is provided. DSL services do go down from time to time, so be prepared for occasional outages.
• Plan ahead. If you'll need high-speed web access for multiple computers, check what options the provider has available.