If I have DSL with AT&T and drop phone service for Vontage, do I still pay a service fee for the phone line?

Question

All the people I know have internet with their cable but I want to stay with Dish Network. I currently have AT&T for phone service and DSL.

I need to keep the DSL for Vontage which I figure I will stay with AT&T but I want to drop their phone service. The question I have is am I going to pay for Vontage, AT&T DSL and then also have to pay monthly for a phone line service (be it dead or whatever) in order to work the DSL?

Answer 1

They money you are paying is not for the "copper wire" coming to your house, it is for the "service" they are providing.

What you are asking about is called "Dry Loop" or "Naked DSL" service.

You should be able to have AT&T drop your PSTN phone service and only keep the DSL Internet service.  There is no magic here.... it is only a matter of how cooperative they will be in helping you make the switch.  After all, they will be losing money by dropping your PSTN phone service.

Just remember, your PSTN phone and DSL services are a "Bundled" package.  If you "Unbundle" the DSL from the phone service, they may charge you a higher price for the Naked DSL.  

If AT&T makes it difficult for your to make the change, or jacks up the DSL cost too much for your liking, then know that there may be a DSL competitior in your area that will provide you with Dry Loop/Naked DSL service at a lower  cost than AT&T will.  So, do your homework first... it pays to shop around...

Once AT&T unbundles your DSL from your PSTN phone service, you will then be free to shop for a competative Dry Loop/Naked DSL service provider who may provide you the same service at a lower cost....