Try the DSL Reports reference because they give user ratings from those in your area who use the various ISPs. I use DSLExtreme, and have been satisfied for 5 years of so, but am in San Diego. Generally I get 10 email accounts, free personal websites, a free firewall at the server level, and the email is outsourced to Gmail so there is virus/spam checking in both directions automatically. They also have an online support site on DSL Reports that is frequented by their General Manager as well as their support staff. Since AT&T lines are used to the Central Office, you get the same signal quality/rates no matter who you choose. The reason there are not more ISPs is that they need to install (or lease, like Earthlink) equipment in the Telco Central Office and set up a contract with AT&T on rates and number of lines, as well as work out the use of the servers on the internet for passing their data and all this costs money. Costs are generally similar these days, but features and customer satisfaction can be quite different. You generally need to sign a year contract to try a new ISP, since that is what AT&T requires from them, but can usually switch with no interruption.
