Vendors pushing to complete DSL coverage

CHICAGO--

Despite issues of distance that are inherent to DSL, a handful of vendors at Supercomm this week are pushing forward with technologies that will allow carriers to cover 100% of their service territories.

Extel Communications, an Australian vendor making its second appearance at the show, is providing a sneak peak at a second release of its expandsl DSLAM, which can provide high-speed access service to a range up to 91,500 feet with a couple of regenerators. Key to getting the distance also is connecting a remote DSLAM with a CO unit via SHDSL.

“We’ve really moved the DSLAM out to the remote, which is where it needs to go,” said Dana Hartgraves, vice president of sales and marketing for Extel.

The company, currently in four field trials including one at Brandberg Telephone in Kentucky, will have the general availability of the DSLAM in two weeks.

Also on the show floor, Pedestal Networks is demonstrating its 24-line DSLAM designed to push service to remote areas. The line-powered unit, which is being installed by Cincinnati Bell, is being targeted at carriers that either want ubiquitous coverage or have are anticipating penetration rates below 20%, said Corey Geiger, vice president of marketing for Pedestal.

“In most cases, you’re talking fairly low density,” he said.