Does it exist? Bellsouth Naked DSL?

[Dixie]

Preface:
I hate my home phone. It's expensive, and does nothing my cell phones won't, other than connect to the Internet. I want to be rid of it.

The Quandary:
Cable modem is not an option where I live. Yes, I’m still using dial up. And it sucks! What I need is DSL. DSL without a phone that is… Naked DSL…. And as I recall, when AT&T acquired BellSouth early in ‘07, they agreed to provide Naked DSL.

The Core question:
Does BellSouth (aka: AT&T) actually offer Naked DSL? I've perused their web site. I found nothing. I've called customer service. I wound up placed on "ignore" for hours.

The Net:
Can I get rid of my landline and still use DSL for the Internet? If it exists, how do I get it?

[masraum]

Here in my neighborhood a phone line is required for dsl, but if you get their new "U-verse" services you don't have to have a phone line (but they use the wire for the service).

U-verse combines cable and broadband. But it's only available if they've run the required fiber to your neighborhood. Your best bet is probably to just call the telco.

I know that here you can change your land line to something that only costs about 10-15 bucks.

[robs944]

From my understanding, you can get rid of your land line this is known as an "unbundled" service. Basically removing the dial tone from your line, a quick search shows that AT&T does offer it but does not mention it on the web site or through the sales department. There is a number to call 1-888-800-4095 (The Dry Loop Department) Ask to switch to DSL direct.

Of course another option is using wireless broadband via Verizon, not nearly as fast as DSL (and more expensive) but faster than dial-up.

Hope this helps.

[scottmandue]

What make and model of cell phone do you have?

I ask because no way could I give up my land line just because the sound quality is so much better than any cell phone I have ever tried.

FWIW my bare bones land line is $12-$14 a month.

[Dixie]

FWIW my bare bones land line is $12-$14 a month.

FWIW: My landline, less long distance, plus federal, state, and local taxes and tarrifs is $30+ a month...

[Dixie]

From my understanding, you can get rid of your land line this is known as an "unbundled" service.

"Unbundled" was the key. I searched BellSouth and confirmed that "naked" DSL is in fact available. Unfortunately, it's not available where I live.

[Dixie]

As an aside,

"The Bride"® claims that y'all... The unwashed PPOT masses... Are the most useless waste of time and bandwidth ever encountered. And yet you prove otherwise. You provided info to resolve the elusive "Neaked DSL" quandary. Thanks to y’all, I can claim victory and righteousness.

Oh sure, During that righteous timeframe I won’t get laid, but what the heck. Ya got to renew your “Man’s Club” membership now and again…
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…Damn, I miss the sex already…

[A930Rocket]

I just had our land line disconnected, but kept the DSL. I'll save about $45 a month. I don't see why they would not allow you to disconnect it? Give them a call.

I'm in Charleston.

[Christien]

What about satellite? It can be spotty depending on weather, but should be available anywhere.

[Dixie]

Let me resurrect this thread to say, "Finally".

I got my naked DSL installed this week. Cost $20.00 a month, no taxes. Better yet, loosing my landline and dial-up ISP saves me about $50 a month.

Now my wife can use her wireless notebook while the kids are on Webkinz, with faster access, and for less money than we were being charged before.

[imcarthur]

And the real question: Are you getting laid now?

Ian