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A recent article from the New York Times shines some light on an anti-competitive practice of some big telephone companies. 

More and more consumers are choosing to make their calls on wireless phones or VoIP – but if these consumers want DSL, some phone companies force them to buy local telephone service too.  This practice dramatically increases the cost of the service for those consumers who do not want phone service. 

According to the March 19, 2005 article, "The nation's other two largest phone companies, Verizon Communications and BellSouth, have similar policies: broadband service is available only as a bundle with phone service.

That means, even as high-speed Internet service has become one of the most quickly adopted technologies of the computer era, there are few options for the tens of millions of Americans trying to upgrade their dial-up connections.

Some lawmakers and consumer advocates say the issue should be on the agenda as the government considers the market impact of two proposed big telecommunications deals: SBC's planned $16 billion acquisition of AT&T, and Verizon's $6.75 billion offer for MCI, which is being challenged by a rival offer from Qwest Communications."

The article goes on to say, "Consumer advocacy groups, including Consumers Union, say they plan to ask the F.C.C. to address the lack of 'à la carte' broadband when the agency reviews the proposed takeovers."

While not everyone with DSL wants to give up their landline the choice should be left up to the customer.  To find out more about purchasing DSL read Consumer Tips: Checklist: Before Purchasing Internet Service.