DSL QUALIFICATION FAQ - Frequently Asked Question

1. Why is DSL pre-qualification necessary?
   
   The availability of DSL has a lot to do with you phone lines and your phone company. The lines that we use to provide DSL to you, are owned by a phone company, and they control the lines and equipment that will be providing the DSL signal to your home.
   
   DSL pre-qualification test the lines for distance and equipment that may cause your lines to be in-compatible with DSL service. If you are to far away from the CO (Central Office), the signal will be too weak, and you DSL will not work. If your telephone lines are running through some newer digital phone switching equipment or voice over IP systems, then your lines may not support DSL. Pre-qualification will take all of these factors and more into consideration and essentially tell you if your line is capable with DSL.
   
   
   
   
2. If I've been disqualified, is there any way to get DSL?
   
   There are many reasons that your line can be disqualified. If you have been disqualified because your distance to the CO(Central Office) is too great, then there is probably no way that you can get DSL. The existence of electronics on the line can also cause your DSL to be disqualified, this can sometimes be overcome if your phone company is willing, but not usually. Alternate methods of high-speed Internet access are probably your best bet.
   
   Here are some alternate forms of high-speed Internet.
   
   Accelerated Dial-Up <-- Affordable alternative CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
   Satellite
   Wireless Broadband
   T-1
   
   
   
   
3. How close to the CO(Central Office) do I have to be to get DSL?
   
   Below is a chart detailing the distances and effects that they may have on your DSL line. The line coming from the CO to your house, is often refered to as the "Loop". The distance is reffered to as the "Loop Length". The loop lenght not only effects whether or not you can get DSL, but also how fast it can be.
   
   

   Loop Length	Comment
   less than 5000	You will have little trouble getting all speeds of DSL
   5000-10600	You may have trouble getting the highest speeds on offer
   10600-15000	The danger zone for DSL from national CLECs like Covad and NorthPoint. Speeds on offer are pinned back steadily until they reach 192k for 15,000 feet. If your line is longer than around 15000 feet, they may not accept an order.
   15000-18000	In this range, Telco ADSL is normally still available, although it may be restricted to 300-500k speeds
   18000-22000	Telco ADSL is not available, although in a few areas, RADSL may be a product you can get. RADSL is speed-variable. Some smaller DSL specialist CLECs may have solutions for you.
   22000-28000	Using less commonly used DSL equipment, it is still possible to use lines of this length.
   18000-28000	IDSL is an alternative or possibly the only alternative. IDSL is 144k/sec, about four-six times modem speed.
   28000-38000	IDSL is the only alternative

   
   
   
   
   
4. Where can I get more information on DSL Technology?
   
   There are many website out there with DSL information. A Google search will provide you with more information than you may wish to know. BroadbandReports.com is a great recource for testing your line and obtaining more information about DSL.
   
   http://www.broadbandreports.com/