If you live in a rural area and are looking for an internet connection that’s faster than dial-up, DSL could be your answer. However, there are a few things to understand about DSL service. First, the distance you live from the central telephone switch in your area will directly affect the speed of your connection. The closer you are, the faster your service will be. Another thing to realize is that DSL will not reach the same speeds as faster land line internet types like fiber optic and cable. This is due to the type of lines used to transmit data. DSL uses the same copper lines as your telephone, where both cable and fiber optic data travels over lines made specifically for internet. When searching for a DSL company, checking their coverage area is a good idea. Qwest DSL, for example is available in over ten states, mainly in the West.