AT&T Will Sell $20 “Naked” DSL

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In the coming months AT&T will sell stand-alone, or "naked," DSL service for $19.95. Currently, AT&T charges $45 for broadband if you don't purchase any other bundled services. If you purchase DSL and phone from AT&T, it's only $28, a deliberate attempt to preserve their phone business and limit consumer choice.

In the coming months AT&T will sell stand-alone, or “naked,” DSL service for $19.95. Currently, AT&T charges $45 for broadband if you don’t purchase any other bundled services. If you purchase DSL and phone from AT&T, it’s only $28, a deliberate attempt to preserve their phone business and limit consumer choice.

The deal doesn’t come from a sudden bolt of generosity from Ma Bell’s heart. In order to get its purchase of BellSouth approved by the FCC, AT&T agreed to offer naked DSL.

Perhaps this will help push other telcos and cable companies to offer reduced rates as well, lest what they cloak themselves in suddenly look like the sort of new clothes an emperor might wear. — BEN POPKEN

AT&T to offer $20 ‘naked’ DSL service [USA TODAY]

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