Qwest DSL Limitations

by Oneil Williams
Qwest's DSL service offers download speeds of up to 40 Mbps.

Qwest's DSL service offers download speeds of up to 40 Mbps.

Michael Smith/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Qwest high-speed DSL Internet service comes with many benefits. It also has its fair share of limitations. If you are contemplating a subscription to any of Qwest's high-speed DSL Internet plans, you should first ensure the company services your address. You may contact the provider by phone or use the "Check Availability" function on the provider's website.

Speeds

Qwest has incorporated fiber optic cable into its DSL service to allow speeds that surpass most other DSL ISPs. Subscribers may choose from plans that allow download speeds of up to 40 Mbps. While this should meet the needs of most subscribers, customers who require even more speed will probably have to look to cable Internet or a 100 percent fiber network for speeds above 40 Mbps. As of the date of publication, Verizon has the fastest Internet service, with download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 35 Mbps. Comcast has the second-fastest Internet service with download speeds of up to 105 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 10 Mbps.

Monthly Usage

Qwest has limitations on the volume of data transferred on your account every month. Although most subscribers do not come anywhere near the data cap, some do. Qwest works with subscribers to find a plan that will meet their needs. For subscribers whose Internet usage far exceeds the norm, Qwest has limitations in place to guard against abuse. Excessive use is defined as receiving two to five million Web page visits a month or downloading 300,000 to 500,000 photos in a 30-day period. If you suspect you may have usage that could be considered atypical in terms of volume, speak with a representative to ensure you get a plan that can support your Internet usage needs.

Promotions

At the time of publication, Qwest had 12-month promotions on all of its high-speed Internet plans when bundled with home phone service. Free activation and self-installation were also offered as a part of the promotion. Subscribers could opt to not bundle home phone service with high-speed Internet, yet still take advantage of a separate stand-alone promotion. However, the Internet-only promotion was costlier and for only six months versus 12 months when compared with the bundled package.

Bundles

Whereas some cable and long distance carriers can bundle digital TV, high-speed Internet and home phone service on one monthly bill with one provider to contact, Qwest does not have this luxury. The company allows subscribers to bundle all three services, but only provides support for the home phone and high-speed Internet. Subscribers who bundle satellite TV and wireless services with Qwest high-speed Internet and home phone must contact the appropriate provider with questions or concerns.

About the Author

Oneil Williams started writing professionally in 1993. He wrote for "The Sunday Gleaner" and the "Jamaica Observer," two newspaper publications in Jamaica, and immigrated to the United States in 1995. Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in communication from the University of Central Florida.

Photo Credits

  • Michael Smith/Getty Images News/Getty Images