This move is prompting analysts to predict that other broadband companies selling DSL, satellite, and cable services will quickly boost their rates as well. Verizon's DSL rates in California increased retroactively on May 6, and in New Jersey, they will take effect on an as yet undetermined date this fall. That's one reason why the cost is going up.
Competition is what keeps prices down.
The prospect of spiraling prices is a bleak one for small businesses that view DSL as a relatively inexpensive alternative to the high-speed Internet connections larger businesses can afford, and yet Ranesco estimates that 75 percent of small businesses will utilize DSL for Internet access by June of 2002. Consider bundling services. Telephone companies providing DSL service will often waive your setup fee if you order a DSL package in combination with phone bundles, including call waiting, three-way calling, and voice mail. Bundling cable Internet access with your cable television package can bring the monthly rate down even further, so if DSL is just too prohibitive in cost, cable might be a better choice for you. The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.