@msmica The downloads for the sims a sometimes very large downloads and dial uo would be painfully long. I can think of many ways but the most reasonable is to take your desktop to a friend's house who has internet and download that way. Do you have a smart phone - you may be able to tether the desktop and use the smart phone's internet connection. This would be faster then dial up. If you have WIFI get a USB wifi dongle for the desktop (about $10 to $15). With games frequently having to update some kind of always on internet connection is almost a most. I don't think EA will allow you to just download the pack without the game being installed. The Sims 3 has pushed the Sims franchise into the 3D gaming world. There are wireless internet suppliers (i think they are 4G) like Cricket. The problem is with cheap packages there are limits so you have to watch you usage. Here is a link to EA great game guarantee - link - great game guarantee
The bell operating companies are petitioning the FCC to stop offering copper based dial tome. As many people today use a cell phone for their primary communication device - landlines are becoming extinct. Voice over ip (VOIP) is the new wave but you need a always on internet connection. The local phone company kept raising my landline to a point it was cheaper to get data and go voip. I was paying over $80/month for just dial tone - now I pay the same only I have high speed internet plus dial tone. Each situation is different and the whole picture needs to be looked at.
hth
