143k connection speed with DSL

I have Verizon DSL and I'm getting a 143k connection.  Shouldn't it be a hell of a lot faster than this?  It takes forever to load pages, and when they do load, they have no pictures. at all.  My other programs, like Trillian, keep getting disconnected.

Should I just switch from my shitty service?  Or is there something else wrong?

did they just put the cable lines in, or are they using your tv connection?

lines can get corroded, which doesnt bother tvs, but bothers cable. call up your ISP. its not the service, and its not the cheap contract.