N+I: Sprint adds DSL to frame mix

LAS VEGAS--Sprint announced at Networld+Interop this week the launch of Sprint Frame Relay over DSL services using both its own access network and Covad’s.

The service, targeted primarily at customers using 56k access frame networks, still holds all of the core attributes of Sprint’s frame service, said Isaac Negusse, product manager for Sprint Business. The only difference is in the access method and the customer premises equipment.

“We can go anywhere from a dumb CSU/DSU to a very intelligent device to support a lot of the applications that people are putting over frame relay now,” said Negusse.

The new service likely will face some competition from stand-alone DSL. However, Sprint will push both the cost and security benefits of FRoDSL. Though applicable to virtually any enterprise with branch offices connected to a frame network, Sprint anticipates getting the most traction from locations that can’t justify a full T-1.

Of Sprint’s existing frame customers, about 40% still use 56k as their access method; that’s down from about 70% just a couple of years ago, according to Negusse. “That was sort of the indication of when to launch this."

Initially, the carrier is rolling out both IDSL and SDSL access through an agreement with Covad. The combination of Sprint’s own local access and Covad, which also signed a footprint expansion deal with New Edge networks earlier this month, gives Sprint cover of about 60% of all business locations in the U.S., Negusse said. That percentage should increase to about 70% by the end of the year, he added.