If you're just a mile from the CO (switching station), you should get very good performance, and it doesn't slow down when more users are online in your are (as cable does), because you have a dedicated line into the CO. When you sign up for DSL, the ISP usually provides the modem preset, you just plug it in and go. You don't want to have too many extension phones using the same line-but 2 or 3 is fine as long as you put filters on all of them (included in the kit they'll send you).

When considering different programs, make sure you don't get one of the apparently-cheap ones that adds a surcharge for excessive bandwidth use (in plain English, this means downloading movies.) Just the "regular" plan, not the "basic" or the "ultra" should be fine as long as there are no surcharges aka "bandwidth caps."

It ain't perfect but if it works well when you set it up (following the instructions, especially about phone cable length and proper filter installation), you will be laughing.

See DSLreports.com for a great resource to hear other users experiences with various services, do speed tests, etc.

W-O