[ale] isp questions

[Bob]

Hi All,

I currently have internet (adsl2+) and phone line (POTS) from att.  I 
like the old POTS line.  The latency and bandwidth of dsl seems fine for 
our purposes.  Behind the modem, I have a pfsense box, which handles 
routing, firewall rules, and so forth.  I like the pfsense box.

Since we're working from home more, I thought I would buy another adsl2+ 
modem as a backup.  The last time the modem failed, I bought one at best 
buy (netgear DM111PSP v2), and it was inexpensive.  However, now it 
seems that adsl2+ modems are no longer being sold since att is phasing 
out dsl.

At dslreports, some are saying that att might discontinue dsl in some 
areas this year.  (I'm in the Northlake/Tucker area of Atlanta.)

It sounds like it is difficult to run a pfsense router/firewall behind a 
u-verse modem.  Is that correct?

If att eliminates dsl in my area, would u-verse or comcast be a better 
choice?  (I'd like to keep my POTS line and use my pfsense box as a 
router/firewall.  I have no interest in tv or other services from either 
company.)

Are there other choices than u-verse or comcast that I'm overlooking?

Any thoughts on getting an inexpensive backup adsl2+ modem?

If u-verse is better than comcast, could I purchase a u-verse modem that 
would be able to handle adsl2+ (until dsl is removed)?  (I guess that 
assumes that att allows purchasing u-verse modems.)

Thoughts or suggestions?

--Bob