DSL Vs. Dry DSL

Dry DSL does not require a phone line.

Dry DSL, also called naked or dry loop DSL, is just DSL service that does not require the user to purchase or own a traditional phone line. In general, dry loop DSL is becoming more common due to competition.

Features

Regular DSL lines require the user to own a landline phone and have a dial tone. Naked DSL works without any dial tone. There is no difference in service or speed between dry and regular DSL.

Availability

In general, the telephone companies have mostly avoided offering dry loop DSL because they would rather keep their traditional phone line infrastructure active. In 2007, however, the Federal Communications Commission struck a deal with AT&T--allowing it to merge with BellSouth--if it offers naked DSL nationwide.

Tip

As of 2010, most of the major DSL providers offer naked DSL because of the increase in the preference for faster cable Internet connections. In addition, broadband specialty services often offer naked DSL.

References

• Punny Money: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dry Loop DSL
• TechTarget: Fast Guide to DSL
• USA Today: AT&T to offer $20 'naked' DSL service; Leslie Cauley; January 2007
• DSL Reports: Verizon Offers $20 Naked DSL
• Smart Computing: Naked DSL: It's Not What It Sounds Like