What Does Naked DSL Mean?

Naked DSL is an internet subscription option without a traditional home phone service or the associated line rental charges often accompanying such services. This contrasts with bundled plans which offer a combination of broadband and telephone access as part of a single package. Even though no physical phone line is necessary to have a naked DSL subscription, the connection to the internet is still achieved using the same copper wiring infrastructure used for traditional home phone services.

Naked DSL is a good option for those who do not need or don't want a home phone service. This could include renters and younger people who are more likely to use mobile phones and those who do not need landline access anymore.

Naked DSL Explained

The regular Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) utilizes existing telephone lines for fast data communication. This allows customers to access high-speed internet services without investing in costly new cables or further installations. With DSL technology, Telcos can sell the same telephone line twice to the same customer—one for traditional phone services and one for DSL high-speed data. This dual connection allows customers to take advantage of better internet speeds without giving up their existing phone lines.

However, more and more customers may only need the internet service–thus viewing no use in traditional telephone services. Therefore, a more cost-effective alternative to traditional DSL services has emerged in the form of Naked DSL. 

Naked DSL is identical to regular DSL in terms of the physical setup and speed but does not require a home phone line. This means customers can enjoy high-speed broadband access without paying for an additional phone line–potentially resulting in significant savings. Companies such as iiNet and Internode began offering this option in 2007 and 2008.

Naked DSL provides maximum theoretical speeds of up to 24Mbps for downloads and 1Mbps for uploads. However, the actual speed depends on factors such as your distance from the local exchange and the copper wiring condition along your street. Generally speaking, you can live up to 1km away from the local exchange without affecting your internet speed. If you live more than 3km from the exchange, you may only get speeds below 10Mbps.

With Naked DSL connections, many internet providers include a Voice Over IP (VoIP) service. This allows you to make and receive phone calls over the web without needing additional hardware or services. VoIP solutions such as Skype and Viber are widely used and offer features such as video chat and instant messaging. VoIP services are easy to set up and can be especially beneficial for businesses that need to make international calls at a lower cost. 

If you don't need a landline phone service in your home, naked DSL could be the perfect fit for you. However, there will be limited options regarding plans and services, as this internet connection is usually only accessible in large cities. Some service providers offering naked DSL are AT&T, Verizon, and Earthlink. With naked DSL plans, you can get closer to cable speeds without purchasing the expensive equipment that often comes with cable.