ANDERSON — It’s not as scandalous as it sounds, so don’t worry that naked DSL is becoming more common locally.

Naked DSL, also called standalone or droploop DSL, is broadband Internet service stripped of the accompanying landline phone often included in service packages. As more customers choose to drop their home phones for cell phones, phone companies have realized that it’s good business to offer Internet-only services. The problem is that companies don’t always freely advertise their naked DSL deals.

AT&T began offering standalone DSL in some parts of the country last year for about $20. Checking the Web site for deals in the Anderson area shows a DSL offer for about that price, but requires a phone line for residential services.

Another option is to sign up for Internet service through a third-party local vendor. Customers bypass the hassles of dealing with large telecom firms and support local businesses.

AR Computers in Pendleton works with a company called One Click Internet to offer phone-free residential Internet service through AT&T or Verizon.

Depending on their home address, customers can sign on for DSL with Verizon for $35 a month or AT&T for $30 a month, AR Computers owner Jeff Purdy said.

The Internet service is “a little more expensive than the phone company, but the customer ends up coming out ahead because they’re not paying a phone bill,” he said.

About 280 local customers use the naked DSL service offered through AR Computers, Purdy said.

His company also offers the slower dial-up Internet service for a monthly $14 fee.

Computers Pros, a new company that opened in Mounds Mall last week, has partnered with the Muncie-based company Perfect PC to offer dial-up for $10 a month.

Both Computer Pros and AR Computers offer additional services, like computer repair, that the owners say make them good, all-purpose companies for computer users.

Tim Buck, owner of Computer Pros, said his company can handle a range of computing issues and serves as a storefront location for the Internet provider.

Purdy, who started his company three years ago, said customers appreciate the added convenience.

“You’re getting local support and not having to call a national company,” he said.

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