Verizon Communications has doubled the speed of consumer DSL service is a dozen east coast states. If the market reacts well, the remaining states will receive the same faster DSL alternative. The additional bandwidth is a reaction to Comcast's doubling the speed of its cable broadband service, earlier this year. The extra bandwidth will be a big hit with online gamers and professionals who work from home.

For about $40 a month, the new DSL bandwidth will be 3 Mbps, downstream, and 768 Kbps, upstream. For cost-conscious customers who only send and receive e-mail and surf occasionally, a half-speed option will be available for $30 a month.

Dave's Opinion

Just over half of online Americans have broadband service at home: 63 million or 51 percent. There's always a use for more bandwidth, even by those who don't consider themselves technically sophisticated or have flexibility in their personal schedules. When it comes to network connectivity, faster is always better.