Shop around for DSL service

Q: My wife and I are looking for ways to save money and are considering dropping our land-line phone. However, we live in a rural area where cable is not an option, and the cost of Internet via a cell company is outrageous. If we drop our local phone service, can we still get DSL?— L.S., Dalton
A: Stand-alone DSL service — sometimes called naked or dry-loop DSL — is available in some areas, but most local phone companies don't promote it or offer enticing price deals.
AT&T's stand-alone DSL service, DSL Direct, ranges from $19.95 to $45 a month, depending on speed. To check availability in your area, go to http://www.att.com, click on ''Internet & DSL'' and then look for the box labeled ''DSL without local phone service.'' Continued