ext_290795 ([identity profile] zmgmeister.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2006-01-02 02:06 pm
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What's the issue with DSL?

Why is that not all of Somerville can get DSL? We don't exactly live out in the boonies.

Anybody know what the issue is, and which neighborhoods can and can't get DSL?
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[identity profile] strangeanimal.livejournal.com 2006-01-02 07:27 pm (UTC)(link)
it usually depends on the wiring coming into your house/building... streets and/or buildings with older hardware can't handle DSL.

[identity profile] bikergeek.livejournal.com 2006-01-02 07:39 pm (UTC)(link)
There's also distance from the telephone central office. 15,000 feet is about the maximum.

Also, some people have found that they "can't" get DSL from a non-Verizon company but if they try to get DSL from Verizon the limitations somehow magically disappear.

[identity profile] talonvaki.livejournal.com 2006-01-02 08:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Because Somerville can get cable internet, and it's better than DSL?
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[personal profile] ceo 2006-01-02 09:53 pm (UTC)(link)
Digital multiplexers, for one thing. These combine a bunch of lines into one, so they don't have to run new copper all the way back to the CO, but if your line is on one, no DSL for you. This is why we're on Comcast (ick) rather than Speakeasy.

[personal profile] dmaze 2006-01-02 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
The story I've always heard is "wire strung by Alexander Graham Bell himself". The trick we pulled was to get, and then cancel, Verizon DSL, then having proven it's possible sign up with a provider we actually liked (Speakeasy). We're just east of Davis along Highland and it works fine here.

[identity profile] prunesnprisms.livejournal.com 2006-01-02 11:36 pm (UTC)(link)
It's because of the digital multiplexers--the hardware is too NEW, not too old.

[identity profile] zmgmeister.livejournal.com 2006-01-03 03:44 am (UTC)(link)
Hmm, one at a time:

Well, the central office is right in the middle of Somerville, so _everything_ is well within 15,000 feet of it.

But that's as-the-crow-flies. The wires could be snaked around longer than that.

Im definitely more interested in DSL than cable, for a variety of reasons. Price is one, and having my own dedicated line to the CO is another.

Curious if anyone who is west of, say, College Ave, is able to get DSL.

Digital multiplexers? I thought DLC's were mostly used in outer suburbs, but having a DLC ( which is new ) but which doesnt happen to be DSL-compatible ( really new ) would explain a lot.

Does anyone know for a fact that West Somerville is served by DLC's or is that just an educated guess?

[identity profile] danger-chick.livejournal.com 2006-01-03 02:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Don't forget that one block outside of the square is in Cambridge. God only knows where their nearest CO is.

[identity profile] lena-a-mermaid.livejournal.com 2006-01-03 05:53 am (UTC)(link)
Moved from east of College Ave to West of College Ave and was told a week after my DSL was supposed to be hooked up at my new place that they can't put DSL on my street and they never will put DSL on my street. grrr! So I had to get cable internet. Then Verizon writes me a letter telling me they are sorry I canceled my DSL and they wish I'd sign up for it again and change my mind. Ha!

I can't get it, either...

[personal profile] ron_newman 2006-01-20 12:36 am (UTC)(link)
My dialup company, Galaxy (aka TheCIA) claims that my phone number (617-628-8895) does not have DSL available. I entered the number into Verizon's online form, and it too says that DSL is not available. I have no better luck with my second phone line (the one I now use for dialup connection).

I'm on Day Street right outside Davis Square, at the Cambridge line. This is not some remote and inaccessible area. I don't understand the problem.
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