Verizon is ending its "naked DSL" service to push a DSL package that comes with attached local voice service in a move that DSL Reports, which published a Verizon email to customers outlining the new plan, called "traveling back in time."
The email, which the blog published this week (see it below), states that the carrier will stop offering new customers standalone DSL lines on May 6. The upshot—if you want Verizon's High Speed Internet service, you'll have to turn back the clock on current telephony usage patterns and order up a landline for your address.
Verizon customers with existing standalone DSL will get to "continue enjoying ... Internet service" without any action required on their part, Verizon assured users. But there's a catch—changing or disconnecting an existing High Speed Internet connection on May 6 or later gets you lumped in with the rest of the folks who'll get to rediscover what a fixed phone line is when they contract with Verizon to surf the Web.
So basically, if you want to make speed upgrades or downgrades after the new policy comes into effect, you're getting a landline. If you move but want to keep Verizon as your DSL provider, you're getting a landline. And if you're signing a new deal with Verizon for DSL service, you're getting ... well, you get the picture.
The only deal sweetener here seems to be some unspecified "bundle discounts" customers can get if they add DIRECTV service or Verizon Wireless service to a current DSL account prior to May 6, or if they add a landline after changing or disconnecting High Speed Internet on or after that date.
It's a move that DSL Reports called "quite a surprising and bizarre step backwards for the telco," before opining that what this probably means is that Verizon is hoping to hasten the cutting of ties with legacy DSL users while it focuses its efforts on its more lucrative wireless offerings.
Of course, the market has other DSL providers but several commenters on DSL Reports suspected many would follow Verizon's example in the coming months. Here's the main part of the email that the blog reported is being sent to High Speed Internet users:
Beginning May 6, 2012, we will no longer offer High Speed Internet without local voice service on the same account.
What does this mean for you?
*If you currently have High Speed Internet without local voice service on the same account, there is no action required on your part to continue enjoying your Internet service.
* You will not experience any disruption of service.
* Prior to May 6, 2012, you can still make speed upgrades or downgrades to your existing service.
* Prior to May 6, 2012, you can receive bundle discounts by adding DIRECTV service or Verizon Wireless service to your current Internet service.
What this means if you change or disconnect your High Speed Internet Service as of May 6, 2012, or after:
*You can make changes to and retain your Verizon High Speed Internet Service on or after the above date, by adding Verizon's local voice service to the same account.
* If you are moving your service from one location to another on or after the above date, you may subscribe to Internet service at your new location if you also subscribe to Verizon's local voice service on the same account.
* If you choose to subscribe to additional Verizon services you could be eligible for a bundled discount when you also subscribe to Verizon's local voice service on the same account.
The full email was sent later in the week to Telecompetitor, which has published it here.
For more from Damon, follow him on Twitter @dpoeter.
