Ryan Bennion | April 13, 2017
DSL vs Home Phone | What’s the Difference?
There are many ways to connect to the Internet, but Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) is one of the most reliable and longstanding connections out there. Because DSL uses existing phone lines to transmit data, it was one of the first widely available methods for both businesses and homes to get online. DSL continues to be a viable — and affordable — option for Internet connectivity. As recently as 2012, DSL was still the dominant technology used for high-speed, or broadband, Internet access across the globe.
What is the connection between DSL and home phones?
DSL and phone lines are intertwined because they use the same copper lines to transmit and receive data. Both technologies can use the same line without interference because DSL transmits at a higher frequency than voice communications. Sometimes a DSL filter is required to minimize potential static on a phone line, but typically there is no disruption to either service.
Do I need a home phone to get DSL Internet?
It used to be common for DSL providers to require a home phone line in order to install DSL. However, that is no longer the case. You can now choose from either a standalone DSL line or an Internet and phone bundle from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). If you don’t currently use a home phone, and feel you don’t need to add one, you can still take advantage of a DSL Internet connection.
Will a home phone help DSL work faster?
There is no relationship between a home phone and the download or upload speeds of your DSL Internet connection. Because DSL uses a different frequency for data than phones use for voice, the two signals don’t interfere with or help each other. Home phone and DSL Internet basically work around one another even as they use the same landline for transmission.
However, the higher frequency used by DSL Internet allows data to be transmitted at a faster rate. Regardless of the presence of an existing home phone line, DSL connection speeds are faster than voice. In addition, the closer a DSL connection is to the ISP’s central location, the faster the speeds will be.
Is there any advantage to having both a home phone and DSL?
If you currently have a home phone line, one of the main benefits of DSL Internet is that you can surf the Internet and catch up with friends or relatives over the phone without any disruption to either service. Another benefit of DSL Internet is that it works like your home phone in the sense that the line completely belongs to you. You always get an instant connection and there’s no one else sharing your bandwidth or fighting for speed during peak hours.
For those who want to save on their monthly bills, the value of a bundle is probably the biggest advantage of having both a home phone and DSL. When you combine your home phone and DSL subscriptions with the same ISP, you can receive significant savings on both services. If you already rely on a home phone, or are considering adding one for emergencies or because you have small children at home, a home phone and DSL bundle can be the smartest, most frugal option.
What is a home phone and DSL bundle?
A bundle is a package deal that a provider offers to help customers save money. Depending on the service provider, bundles can combine home phone, Internet, and sometimes TV service as well. There are multiple benefits to combining services, including cost savings, simplified billing, and centralized customer service.
Bundling DSL and home phone service makes a lot of sense because both services use the same landlines to work. And, unlike dial-up Internet, there’s no competition for the line. You can surf and talk all you want — at the same time — without running into any interference between your phone and DSL connections.
If you need high-speed Internet service and want to make sure you get the best connection for the best price, DSL is a solid, affordable option that provides with you a dedicated connection. When bundled with home phone, DSL Internet can even save you money.