Southwestern Bell does provide the NIC card as well as the modem and the filters needed.  My 
experience has been that SBC can and does provide the experts to terminate the DSL at your home BUT 
know your system and software.  The technician at best has a work sheet that guides them through 
the WIN98 GUI.  Nothing else.  At worst -- KNOW YOUR SYSTEM they won't.

It is in their contract that you provide proof of ownership of WIN98.