U-verse is fiber to the neighborhood VRAD box only. From there it runs over copper pairs just like DSL, and the condition and length of that copper can effect the service.
I've had DSL since it was rolled out here in 1998. Never had any major problems with it. I am about a mile from the CO on buried copper.
I've been on cable since last May. I haven't had any trouble with it once they ran a new line for me. They took care of that within a few days of me signing up.
