A Naked DSL

A naked DSL (a.k.a. standalone or dry loop DSL) is a way of providing DSL services without a PSTN (analogue telephony) service. It is useful when the customer does not need the traditional telephony voice service because voice service is received either on top of the DSL services (usually Voice over IP) or through another network (mobile telephony).

It is also commonly called a "UNE" for Unbundled Network Element, in the USA. It has started making a comeback in the US in 2004 when Qwest started offering it, closely followed by Speakeasy. As a result of AT&T's merger with SBC, and Verizon's merger with MCI,[6] those telephone companies have an obligation to offer naked DSL to consumers.

Even without the regulatory mandate, however, many ILECs offer naked DSL to consumers. The number of telephone landlines in the US dropped from 188 million in 2000 to 172 million in 2005, while the number of cellular subscribers has grown to 195 million (277 million as of 2010).This lack of demand for landline voice service has resulted in the expansion of naked DSL availability.Naked DSL products are also marketed in some other countries e.g. Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

December 15, 2011

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