How to Switch to DSL Internet Service

For those who have dial up Internet service or cable that is breaking their budget, it might be time to switch to DSL. Its fast, keeps the phone line open and is affordable. Follow these steps to get you on your way to new DSL service.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Internet Service
• Phone line with Bellsouth, AT&T or affiliated companies

1. Do not cancel your present Internet service until you are all set up with your new provider. Open up Internet Explorer or your web browser of choice and click on the link at the bottom of this article. This will help you sign up online easily in just a few minutes.
   
   If you would rather call, you may do so, but realize you could be on hold for awhile. (See number in warnings section).

2. Fill in the information as needed, make sure you type your residential phone number in there. This will alert you if the DSL service is available in your neighborhood. Yes, it is possible the neighbors across the street can receive it and you cannot, so be aware of this. It depends on where the companies have installed their lines.

3. If all is well and it comes up as available in your neighborhood, complete the signup process and fill in all the necessary information. If at all possible, read the article link below on DSL installation or have a knowledgeable friend, neighbor or business associate help you with the installation.
   
   Or, if the installation is free (in some cases), go ahead and set that up.
   
   Use caution not to pay a heavy fee for this service.

4. It takes about 7 to 10 business days to receive your package. It will often be shipped by UPS and includes a modem, 2 cables, filters and a software CD.

5. Set up your DSL service as directed by inserting the CD. Click the link below to find out more about how to do this.

6. Call your present Internet provider and cancel the service. It is not canceled simply by uninstalling it from your computer or deleting it from your desktop. Still, do remove the software from your computer. You will no longer need to leave the old phone line hooked up if you have a dialup modem.

7. Double-click on Internet Explorer or any web browser and the Internet page should appear and you are ready to surf. If any steps do not work, do not hesitate to call AT&T for 24/7 phone technical assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• You can save more money on other services like Satellite Dish TV, cellular phone service, U-verse service, long distance and local calling and more.
• You can sign up for those at the same time. They will bundle them together. There generally is not a contract.
• If you are concerned about email addresses, you can keep your AOL, MSN and other email addresses free, simply inquire about this when you cancel. Or set up a web-based Yahoo or Hotmail address you can take with you.
• If you are not a current customer, you may need to call 1-800-288-2020. Give them the referral code listed below if switching to DSL or other phone/TV services.
• Check monthly the credit card, cable or Internet/phone bill to ensure they are not continuing to charge you for the old Internet service you canceled.

Resources

• Click here to switch, type KH9747001 in the referral box when signing up
• Here's How to set up DSL service

[MidniteWriter]

on 3/8/2009 Comments welcome!Please email me first if you'd like a link to one of your articles, and I will put your article in my resources section. Thank you!

[MidniteWriter]

on 3/8/2009 Switch to DSL, it's the only way to go! Much faster than dial up! Click link in resources to get started now my ehow friends.

[Cherrie]

on 1/19/2009 Clear cut valuable article, how to do it. I did not know that you should cancel your old connection only after you are set up newly. You might have to pay for 1 month both.

[MidniteWriter]

on 1/9/2009 Have you done this? Let me know. No comments and only 2 stars, makes me wonder.