By doing so, they can meet the challenge of SME and residential customers who need services, without expensive upgrading of the Local Loop infrastructure, which can be prohibitive. This results in major improvements in cost, because carriers are able to offer services to twice the number of users or double the transmission speed to the same user. It supports integrated voice and data, and even video conferencing at MPEG2 rates. The delay factor is essential for voice, video, and other delay-sensitive applications. In today's competitive market, carriers must use the most cost-efficient, flexible and reliable technology.
Carriers can offer upgraded service without changing their hardware.
Both corporations and SMEs are ready for better service, which has prompted carriers to find a way around their overloaded lines caused by the popularity of the Internet and corporate intranets. Carriers want to provide service that is affordable, fast and overcomes technical problems. Most small and medium businesses require data rates above 64 kbps, but do not have enough traffic to fill a full E1 or T1 line. HDSL's maximum reach is set according to its highest rate, even if the customer does not use full bandwidth. This makes the service available to many more customers.