This week telecom heavyweight SBC Communications and Yahoo announced plans to lower their monthly DSL Internet access fee to $26.95. This service will be offered in a co-branded access known as SBC Yahoo DSL. It will be available only to new subscribers who sign up on the Internet. DSL, short for Digital Subscriber Line, is a method of accessing the Internet over telephone lines. With a DSL connection, a user can talk on the telephone and surf the Internet at a high speed at the same time. DSL along with cable Internet are the two main vehicles through which home and small business Internet users can obtain a high-speed broadband connection.
For the most part, cable Internet providers have not lowered their average monthly fees which are currently hovering in the $40-$50 range. Instead they are offering increased download speeds while adhering to their current pricing models. Comcast, Charter, and TimeWarner have all announced or already initiated these faster speeds. Comcast is the only company that is also offering lower prices with its good-for-six months promotions of $19.99 or $29.99 to new subscribers (in certain markets).
Reading the small print on the SBC Yahoo DSL deal also shows it to be a promotional offer that is only good for one year. While faster speeds and some lower prices are good for the consumer, we need an all-out price war between the telephone and cable companies to bring broadband Internet access to more affordable levels. Keep your fingers crossed and hope it happens. Broadband Internet access at affordable prices would be beneficial to all.
