How to Qualify for DSL

Go to your service provider's website, such as AT&T or Verizon, and fill out their DSL availability survey. Alternately, check the DSL availability with DSL Experts (see References).

Select whether you need the service for your home or business and select the type of service you would like--for example, "Home DSL"--from the drop-down menu.

Enter your address and contact details. The location of your DSL is essential information because in order to receive it, the service provider must determine if your line is equipped with DSL. DSL only works on copper phone lines and is very distance-sensitive, which may explain why it may be available to a neighbor but not to you.

Check with your service provider to see if you are eligible. DSL service can only be provided to those within three miles of the wire-run from the office of an Internet provider. If your service provider can't make it available to you, try another; different service providers will have different DSL locations.

Install a DSL filter on your phone line and obtain a DSL modem, if you do qualify. Although you will not require an additional phone line, you will need to connect your phone and computer to a modem in order to obtain an Internet connection and to use the telephone line.