Most Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service is sold as part of an Internet access package, so your Internet service provider will be your interface to getting a DSL connection to the Internet. To help decide which DSL service to buy, you want to consider what IP (Internet Protocol) networking services are included in the agreement.
The United States has thousands of ISPs, and a wide variety of them offer DSL service. As a result, the packaging and pricing of DSL service is all over the map — literally and figuratively.
Three types of ISPs offer DSL-based Internet access service:
The United States has thousands of ISPs, and a wide variety of them offer DSL service. As a result, the packaging and pricing of DSL service is all over the map — literally and figuratively.
Three types of ISPs offer DSL-based Internet access service:
- Independent ISPs. These ISPs buy their DSL circuits from Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs) or Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) and provide the bulk of DSL service offerings. In large metropolitan markets, independent ISPs typically buy DSL service from multiple DSL circuit providers. For example, an ISP serving northern California may offer DSL service from Pacific Bell, NorthPoint, and Covad Communications.
- ILEC ISPs. These ILEC-owned ISPs provide an Internet access package added to the ILEC's DSL offerings. ILEC ISPs have names such as PacBell.net, BellAtlantic.net, and USWEST.net. They compete with independent ISPs but offer only the ILEC's DSL service.
- ISPs acting as CLECs. These ISPs become CLECs by filing tariffs with the state regulatory agency, installing Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexes (DSLAMs) in central offices (COs), and using the ILECs' local loops in a similar way that larger CLECs do. A pioneer of this approach is Harvard Net, which is located in the Boston area