Business owners in Tennessee have a wide variety of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to choose from. Broadband access is much faster than traditional phone modems and Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) access is now easily affordable.

DSL services in Tennessee allow a business to download data at a rate of at least 512 kilobits/second and is usually much faster than this. A regular phone modem has a transfer rate of about 50 kilobits/second by comparison and is usually much less reliable.

Tennessee DSL service uses the telephone line so the total number of DSL providers in a given area will almost always be limited to less than 3. DSL in Tennessee is primarily dependent upon the maximum connection speed and additional provided services. DSL is now a relatively mature technology so the price for a given level of service should not vary significantly in competitive markets.

The only hardware required for DSL service is a DSL modem, assuming the user already has telephone service. A DSL modem may be purchased outright from the DSL provider or a third party and may be included as part of the service package.

In order to best use your DSL service in Tennessee:

1. Find a locator service suitable for your needs.

2. Compare the prices between services in Tennessee.

3. Determine the reliability of broadband Tennessee services.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate TN DSL service

Identify all of the DSL providers in your area to make sure you get the best package for your business. The telephone provider will usually offer DSL service but other DSL providers may also be available.

I recommend: Enter your city or zip code on DSL.com for a complete list of all of the TN DSL service providers in your area. Adelphia, AT&T and Verizon are all national companies that provide DSL in Tennessee.

Compare prices between broadband Tennessee services

DSL Tennessee service is generally the cheapest and slowest of the broadband services. Make sure you consider the maximum download rate account when making your comparisons.

I recommend: Get a list of prices from different DSL Tennessee services providers in one place at dsl.broadbandnational.

Determine the level of support for your broadband Tennessee service

DSL providers vary considerably in their level of support and the maximum downtime (if any) is a very important metric to look at when choosing a DSL service.

I recommend: Find out what customers really think about DSL in Tennessee at dslreports.com. This review site is not associated with any DSL providers and allows extremely frank criticism of their services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Wiring upgrades may be required to bring your telephone service up to DSL standards, particularly in older houses. Your ISP should make this check prior to activating your DSL TN service.
• •  Inquire about DSL rates for businesses. Many DSL providers offer special packages that include higher download speeds and service agreements.