DSL

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Get a Better DSL Deal from Your Telco

Members of the ISP-DSL list share an important trick of the ISP trade: How to get a cheaper DSL line from the local phone company by ordering an alarm circuit or dry copper pair.

On the ISP-DSL list in November, KJ inquired,

"Has anyone been successful in ordering an alarm circuit or dry copper pair? If so, what were the costs involved, and what did you ask for? I am getting a super runaround job."

A number of respondents shared similar runaround experiences:

[MK observed] "I have yet to talk to somebody who could give me a straight answer in regard to dry copper."

[VP agreed] "I called Pacific Bell with the same question. They didn't know. They did, however take my number and tell me that they would get back to me the next day. That was two weeks ago." Others warned of dire consequences for attempting to use dry pair for DSL:

[SN noted] "Sometimes you might have trouble and end up with a bridged or loaded pair. If so, it won't work. If they find out you are using an alarm circuit for data you could get shut off and sued, like I did. The judge eventually dropped my case, but you have to be careful."

[VB warned] "Most of the providers I know that have tried this have quickly abandoned it, primarily because of getting a high percentage of pairs that were not adequate for DSL. I do know of a few that lost pairs when the telco found out what they were doing with them. But if you want to accept the risks, be my guest."

Many others, though, suggested that the procedure could be relatively straightforward:

[AW offered] "We order them as PANA circuits; that seems to be the magic word around here. I just called my local sales rep. We pay $135 for the install and $23.50 per month."

[SB noted] "Here in Green Mountain territory [Vermont], we order BANA circuits. There's a $90 turn-up charge and $51 a month."

[MKS advised] "Call a local alarm company and ask them what they order!"

[TR suggested] "You need to get someone—not your sales rep—who has been there for several years. Describe to them what you want and they can give you the correct name for the circuit-then take that info back to your rep. Don't let your rep argue; get them to place the order for exactly what you were told. Another way is to look in the tariff for your state. The correct name and pricing should be in there as well."

[SW concluded] "DSL over alarm lines is not unethical or even technically wrong. It just presents the telco with a request they are not used to. It can also be a hassle for them to remove load coils, etc., but stigmatizing is as the 'wrong' way to do DSL is not fair. There are many good small ISPs out there that do not need to be a CLEC, and need a solution to provide competitive high-speed service. This is one solution."

—End

 

Related articles:
	[Aug. 14, 2000]	Homebrew DSL: The Sequel
	[Mar. 31, 2000]	Roll Your Own DSL Connection?
	[Mar. 15, 2000]	Become a CLEC: Part 2