For "broadband dialup" aka DSL or cable, you need the appropriate modem. It's usually supplied by the provider. Although you can buy your own, this is one case where I recommend renting -- if it fries, the provider will just swap it for you. If you own, you gotta buy a new one and argue with the provider until they get tired of you and pay for it!
If you seriously look at DSL, consider the distance between your house and the telephone switching center. For best performance, you have to be within 2 miles of the switching center, as the phone line runs, not as the crow flies. Also, if you live in the butt end of nowhere, your switching center may still be analog, not digital. Let's not talk about how bad the service will be! Yes, the phone company will sell you service anywhere. Doesn't mean it's worth having!.
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