Anybody in the Madison area got any recommendations for DSL providers? I'm currently with TDS for my voice line and a dial-up connection, which together run about $50/mo. However, I only use the phone line for the computer these days, and would love to chuck it and get a faster connection. TDS only will give DSL to voice customers, so with them I'd still have to keep the unused phone line. I'm not that thrilled with the idea of going to Charter for a cable hook up. Any input on SBC?
My main concerns:
1. Staying in the neighborhood of $50/mo or less.
2. Fast service than 56k.
3. Able to ditch the landline.
4. Something that will work with a Mac and an Airport.
5. A company that isn't evil...or at least not too evil.
Suggestions?
i tihnk you might have problems finding dsl sans voice line. the reason may not be simply profiteering-- the dialtone helps the phone companys distinguish the circuit as used and helps ensure they won't accidentally disconnect it.
i'm mightily happy with my time warner roadrunner, but i also have cable which makes it slightly cheaper, and you have charter in madison.
If Verizon's available in Madison, give them a look-see. I have 768K download/128K upload with them for $40/month (about to be upgraded to 1.5M down for the same price); they might have a similar package available for you (though they've recently been trying to get me to pay $60/month for a phone package just so I can save a measly $10 on my DSL).
...oh, and there can't be more than three miles of phone line between you and the DSL switch (technical reasons, y'know)--that's with *any* provider.