We've been counting down what we believe to be the top ten problems that beset the United States broadband industry, one problem at a time.

Gripe Number Two: Give us Naked DSL, stop ripping off customers who need but one service.

While consumers believe bundles are saving them money, their real purpose is twofold: to make it more difficult for direct price comparisons between providers, and to make changing multiple services such a hassle, you'd rather deal with sub-par service than run the gauntlet.

Consumer advocates state that the best deals - with a few exceptions - are still found when you shop around and buy services individually. While bundle discounts are sold as "perks for faithful customers", unbundled prices are really just inflated to punish those who just want one service.

If you must bundle, make it a real deal. Offer bundle users a discount for their patronage, but don't punish those who refuse. $45-$50 a month for a stand-alone cable-broadband connection or VoIP service is ridiculous.

American Telcos: As your earnings reports clearly indicate, many of us no longer want your local service. Follow the lead of Qwest, and your sister telco to the North: Bell Canada, and offer naked DSL. If we can't get DSL without having to pay more for a local line, we'll be looking to one of your CLEC or cable competitors for service.

Though you may have won a recent victory at the FCC, terminating DSL customers for switching local service - then lying that naked DSL is technically impossible or illegal - is the very definition of sleazy.

PS: Senator McCain got into trouble recently for daring to join the campaign to get cable providers to unbundle their channels. It is about time broadband bundles were added to the national discussion.

#10 : Get out of the slow lane!
#9 : Stop hiding additional fees
#8 : Improved plans are not just for new customers
#7 : Treat technical support more seriously
#6 : Stop trying to kill the messengers
#5 : Fix it right the first time
#4 : Stop the anti-muni broadband campaigns
#3 : Join the battle against malware