The use of dsl (digital subscriber line) is dependent on where you live.  The service makes use of existing copper wire which consists of twisted pairs provided by the phone service in your area.  The service of choice available today is usually ADSL, a Assymetric form of DSL.  The meaning if this is there are two separate speeds involved with uploading and downloading.

Downloading is normally a lot faster then the upload speeds.  With this speed, you can effectively download music and video.  All your needs will be faster and more reliable than dial up ever provided for it’s users.

The upload speed is much slower than cable or broadband but there is usually much less need for high speeds when performing that operation.