When I switched from Cable to Dish Network, I also cancelled my broadband cable service. As I missed the speed of broadband, I signed up for Bellsouth’s DSL Ultra.
I figured file sharing with the Ultra’s 1.5Mbps transfer rate would still be acceptably fast even though it doesn’t compare well to the cable in the area (3Mbps, IIRC).
After installing, I found I had a download speed of 240Kbps. I contacted Bellsouth and a technician found “bridges” on the line that services my street. After reconfiguring the line, my download speeds averaged a little over 1.2Mbps, which I found acceptable for now. I plan to switch to the faster DSL Xtreme or Xtreme 6.0 (3Mbps & 6Mbps) whenever it's offered in my area.
Two days later (and after a fairly brisk windstorm), the garbage 200ish Kbps returned, with connection being spotty. When I called Bellsouth, they informed me I might be charged if a technician is sent out to investigate and it proves to be merely a speed issue. They didn’t seem at all concerned I was receiving speeds less than a seventh the speed I was paying for, only that I had any connection... crappy or otherwise.
I was able to schedule a technician to look into the matter again (and hopefully make a more permanent repair) though I warned them I would switch back to the seemingly more reliable cable if they dare charge me.
I’m sure some here use DSL and I understand it’s gaining popularity. Is DSL always this spotty?