Currently using dial-up as there is no cable available and I'm too far for DSL. My new home is 1.9 miles from the central office as the telephone wire on the poles go. DSL is available in our town. I haven't set up telephone service yet at the new house. What should I ask / do when setting up service there as far as a DSL capability is concerned?

Here's a good site for info: www.dslreports.com (http://www.dslreports.com) . You can even enter your new address and prequalify for dsl. You can determine exact (feet) from the CO, and it will show some of the providers. It won't show all however, so don't just settle for who they show.

Something to look out for. I have one vendor for telephone and dsl service, but another company owns the lines, and when you have a problem it's hard to get them to fix it. Also, most dsl providers have at least one year commitment, longer for special prices, and require that you use them
also for your telephone service to get that rate. So, make sure that you investigate the various companies as far as phone and dsl rates and service and choose one for both. At home we have Verizon, a little higher price but no problems. At the shop I have AT&T business and it's mid-range for price but have had them here for repairs twice in one year.