| DSL was first developed in 1989 and was | | | | do not qualify for DSL service. This leaves many |
| primarily designed for use with video and on | | | | consumers looking for a high speed internet |
| demand services. There are three types of DSL | | | | service in a quandary wondering what to do. |
| services available to the consumer: ADSL, SDSL, | | | | The alternative for the consumer that is |
| and IDSL. DSL runs through a current copper wire | | | | neglected by DSL, is to subscribe to satellite |
| telephone line but in many areas of the country, | | | | internet service. Satellite internet service works |
| DSL is not available, even though telephone lines | | | | similarly to DSL but instead of using a phone line |
| exist. | | | | to send and receive data a satellite signal is |
| ADSL, which is considered basic DSL, is designed | | | | employed for data transmission. Satellite internet |
| for the home user. SDSL (Symmetrical Digital | | | | providers offer speeds up to 2Mbps thus enabling |
| Subscribe Line) is the symmetrical portion of the | | | | those in rural areas to receive high speed internet |
| name means that the upstream and downstream | | | | comparable to that of DSL. |
| of data travels at the same rate. SDSL is well | | | | The costs of satellite internet range between |
| suited for business applications because of the | | | | $49.99 a month for residential plans and up to |
| symmetrical upstream and downstream rates. | | | | $179.99 a month for commercial and large |
| SDSL is also the proper selection for those | | | | network installations. High speed satellite internet |
| intending to use a network. ISDN DSL is used to | | | | providers offer an always on connection with no |
| provide a broadband internet connection for | | | | need to dial up. One benefit that satellite internet |
| customers who don't qualify for SDSL or ADSL. | | | | offers over DSL is there is no need for a |
| ISDN DSL operates at a symmetrical speed of | | | | telephone line. During this period of electronic |
| 128kbps. | | | | advances where consumers are using home |
| DSL prices range from $20.69 to $67.44 a month | | | | telephone lines less frequently many consumers |
| worldwide. DSL providers vary in how much | | | | have opted to use only a cell phone. This |
| speed they provide. Most providers offer | | | | reduction in discretionary spending by consumers |
| anywhere between 128Kbps all the way up to | | | | makes satellite internet a better choice for many |
| 9Mbps. All though these DSL companies offer | | | | previous DSL customers as well as those who |
| broadband internet services in every state across | | | | don't have access to DSL. |
| the United States, there are still some areas that | | | | |