DSL Modems for CenturyLink, AT&T, Frontier, and More
A DSL modem connects your home to internet service delivered over a telephone line. This collection includes refurbished standalone DSL modems and all-in-one DSL modem router combos for CenturyLink, AT&T, Frontier, Brightspeed, and other phone-line carriers, each tested and verified to work on its supported networks.
Owning your modem eliminates the equipment lease fee most DSL providers charge, typically $10 to $15 per month. Just as important, it keeps a working line working: if your current modem fails, a tested replacement gets you back online without waiting on provider stock or a technician visit.
Why Refurbished Is the Smart Buy for DSL
Manufacturers have discontinued most DSL modem models as carriers shift to fiber, and many providers no longer sell replacement units for legacy lines. Refurbished hardware is often the only practical way to replace a failing DSL modem. Every unit we sell is Grade A refurbished, tested by hand in the US, and backed by a 90-day full-coverage warranty. Supported models also qualify for our activation guarantee, and our US-based support team is available by chat and email if you hit a snag during setup.
ADSL2+ vs VDSL2: Match the Standard to Your Line
DSL service comes in two main flavors, and your modem must support the one serving your address.
-
ADSL2+: The older standard, with download speeds up to roughly 24 Mbps. Common on rural and legacy lines far from the provider's equipment.
-
VDSL2: The faster standard behind most current DSL plans, commonly 40 to 100 Mbps or more. Bonded VDSL2 models use two phone pairs to increase the available bandwidth on qualifying lines.
Speeds also depend on line quality and your distance from the provider's equipment. Most gateways in this collection support both standards and negotiate the correct one automatically. A few units, like GPON models for CenturyLink fiber-to-the-home, are included here for households transitioning off copper lines.
Shop DSL Modems by Provider
DSL equipment is more provider-specific than cable, since carriers provision modems with their own firmware and connection settings. Start with your provider's collection:
Modem Only or Modem Router Combo?
Most units in this collection are gateways that combine the DSL modem and a WiFi router in one box, the simplest setup for a typical home. Standalone modems like the Actiontec M1000 pair with a separate wireless router if you prefer to choose your own WiFi hardware. If you are comparing all-in-ones across connection types, our modem router combos collection covers cable, DSL, and fiber gateways.
Check Compatibility and Get Activated
Confirm the model is supported for your provider and speed tier before ordering. Product pages in this collection list compatible providers to make that check easy. Once your modem arrives, activation usually takes a few minutes through your provider's portal or app, and our CenturyLink activation guide walks through the process step by step. Not sure whether your current modem is the problem? Our guide on how long modems last covers the warning signs of failing hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ADSL2+ and VDSL2?
Both deliver internet over a telephone line, but VDSL2 is the newer, faster standard. ADSL2+ tops out around 24 Mbps, while VDSL2 supports the faster plans most DSL carriers sell today, commonly 40 to 100 Mbps or more. Your provider determines which standard serves your address.
Will a cable modem work on DSL internet?
No. Cable modems use a coax connection and the DOCSIS standard, while DSL modems connect to a telephone jack. The two are not interchangeable, so make sure you are buying a DSL modem if your service comes through a phone line.
Why are new DSL modems so hard to find?
Manufacturers have largely stopped producing DSL hardware as carriers move to fiber, so retail stock of new units has dried up. Refurbished modems fill that gap: proven models, tested and warrantied, for the lines that still depend on them.
Do I need a specific modem for CenturyLink or AT&T DSL?
Usually, yes. CenturyLink and Brightspeed support a defined list of compatible gateways, and AT&T service works only with AT&T-certified equipment. Match the model to your provider using the collections above or the compatibility list on each product page.
Do DSL modems include WiFi?
Most models in this collection are combo gateways with built-in WiFi. Standalone units like the Actiontec M1000 handle only the DSL connection and need a separate router for wireless coverage.
Questions about a specific model or provider? Our US-based support team can help before you order.