Service providers have unplugged the stops, betting DSL is the broadband technology to deliver converged voice and data to everyone. Fast data now, voice over DSL later. I spoke to the GTE side of the house to learn about its DSL program. GTE says that it can provision a line within five days, and claims a blazing total turnaround time of just eleven days after the customer's initial call. To prevent raising false hopes, GTE's Web site has a self-selection page, where potential DSL users can enter their phone number to discover if they qualify.
Service comes in various metallic bundlings.
Moving up the periodic chart, its Gold Service is intended for SOHOs, letting them up- and download at 768Kbps. At these speeds, business customers can consider running Web sites and other e-commerce applications. GTE says that it's working towards SLAs. Not yet, but GTE says it is trialing a VoDSL program in the Plano, TX area. More than just an ADSL modem, it also supports the amazing HPNA networking standard, which turns existing residential wiring into a local area network.