That’s fixed wireless. We have that in many areas, too, although it’s typically used only by people who can’t get cable service, and are to far away from a CO for DSL.
More residential customers are probably on cable internet than on DSL, but the OP asked about DSL.
It is an apartment building, so I presume all the units are wired already.
Yes, you do need a “line” run to your house/apartment to get DSL. You don’t need a dialtone to share the line with the DSL. In my experience ATT is not difficult with people ordering just the DSL, at least not in the past few years. They won’t charge you extra for running a line to the house, it should be a flat rate and relatively cheap no matter what they have to do outside. I’m pretty sure that the price is regulated in most states, because it is in mine. However, it can get expensive if you need them to wire up anything past their dmarc (inside your home).
Apartment buildings usually have a common terminal with each unit wired from that spot. Most technicians will tone out your jack so they can identify your wire at the terminal and hook it up, if it isn’t already labeled. They probably won’t charge extra for it either.
Has anyone tried Clearwire? Allegedly, it is affordable, open-ended 4G that you can get for home use. If there is coverage, in your area, you would not have to worry about having wiring put in.
Of course, the company could just be a bunch of greedy money-for-nothing bastards, I have no idea.
If it’s unlimited, then I’d say try it.
Otherwise, I wouldn’t touch it.
Sprint’s unlimited wireless 4G is great, but it’s only available in a few locations.