DSL

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Finding a DSL Provider

How can you help customers find a list of DSL providers? The ISP-DSL list examines DSL provider search sites.

[April 19, 2000]

On the ISP-DSL list in March, AM posted this question:

"I recently had a customer outside our territory that was interested in DSL, and I wanted to find a site that would just show him what was available in his area. Does anyone know of a site that locates available DSL by entering a phone number?"

One respondent reported having limited success with such sites:

[WD wrote] "I've done numerous lookups for all kinds of service in my area and the only company that ever comes up on ISPortal and on TelcoExchange is Southwestern Bell in Houston. There are infinitely more choices locally for all of these services."

Others found these sites useful:

[MC wrote] "Try ISPortal."

[Ed. Note: Each site was put to the test using a home phone number and address. ISPortal's site offers a simple search tool for finding a number of technologies in addition to DSL (i.e.; ISDN, BRI, T1and Frame Relay). Entering the area code and exchange takes user to page containing this message: "DSL can be priced out in our DSL Pricing and Availability Tool." Clicking on the text takes user to the TelcoExchange site.]

[CG suggested] "Visit the Telco Exchange site."

[Ed. Note: This site was easy to use and navigate. Simply enter the telephone number and street address, specify whether the location is residential or business, and submit. Although Telco Exchange reported that DSL was unavailable in the test search area location, it did offer the option of checking other DSL databases. "If you'd like TelcoExchange to check other DSL databases or you'd like to be notified by Email when your location has DSL, please type in your email address and press submit." Then you type in your email address and when service is provided, they should send you an email. Obviously, we were unable to test this service. We also tried a more rural location, which also had no DSL. TelcoExchange claimed that the nearest CO was within 500 feet, and provided an exact street address for the CO.]

[BK offered a number of options] "Try these: 2Wire.com, DSL Reports, and DSL Digest."

[Ed. Note: After entering the phone number and street address for the test location 2Wire's site listed a line length calculation along with the news that "it is likely your line will support the maximum DSL data rates listed on the next page." It also offered explanations about why the distance is important and the information about the different types of DSL (ADSL, SDSL, ISDL and RADSL). Even better, this site produced a list of providers — with links — for the test location along with monthly pricing and available products.

DSL Reports site was easy to use — entering the test site zip code in a navigation box on the home page and clicking the icon immediately took the user to a navigation box marked "Can you get DSL?". This site also reported the line length calculation along with a links to providers offering DSL service in the area. No pricing information was included. DSL reports told us the rural site was 2336 feet from the nearest CO.

Based on the information we provided, DSL Digest's site offered information regarding availability along with a list of providers, type of services available and a monthly price range. At press time, however, the server was down.]

[KK offered this strong endorsement] "DSL Forum is one of the best resources out there! Your best bet is their consumer-focused site www.dsllife.com — which features Interactive maps directing end-users to local sources for DSL service providers are a key feature of the site. DSLLife Web site also serves as an educational resource for DSL technology through streaming video, testimonials and hot links, providing answers to frequently asked questions and much more."

[Ed. Note: Entering our test site data turned up a link to one provider — Covad — and no further information. Clicking on the link revealed that there is no Covad service available in the search area. At press time, however, this server also appeared to be down.

In conclusion, note that none of these sites provide the results you will get from a quick look at internet.com's the list. One feature you might find especially useful is the list sorted by area code.]

 —End