DSL may not be instant, but it does work. I usually wait for my show to fully download before watching it.
I had dsl and phone from verizon and cable tv from comcast.
I recently switched all to comcast because I saved over $ 500/year but the straw that broke the camel's back was a billing I received from verizon.
Verizon charged me $ 6.60 SHORTFALL for NOT USING enough long distance service. I called to question this ridiculous charge and they told me I had to pay a minimum amount, even if I didn't use the service.
I would have switched even if the cost had been the same, but saving $ 45/ month was icing on the cake.