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Choicest customers find themselves locked out
Distance limitations, late hookups and service interruptions have all plagued the path to asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) rollouts. But another, lesser-known stumbling block is also holding up widespread deployment of the technology.
Apparently, a significant number of digital loop carrier (DLC) systems used by incumbents aren't compatible with ADSL technology since DLCs were originally designed to handle only voice traffic. Service providers, including BellSouth Corp. and SBC Communications Inc., are bringing significant resources to bear on this revenue-blocking predicament.
A DLC is a remote-site cabinet or vault, located above or below ground and connected to the central office (CO) through a distribution line. Its function is to parcel out multiple channels of voice traffic to subscribers in residential areas and business parks. DLCs are important infrastructure elements because they remotely extend CO capabilities without requiring incumbents to lay expensive new cable.
With a whopping 35 to 40 percent of BellSouth's subscribers behind these digital loops, fixing the problem is crucial. This month the carrier plans to complete the upgrade on 2,000 Of its 36,ooo cabinets in Atlanta, New Orleans, Charlotte, N.C., Jacksonville, Fla., and...