Sorry, not really what I am asking. I will try again.
Depending on the ISP I use, is it possible to receive different DSL service from one ISP vs. another? In other words, will the network and equipment that one ISP uses determine the specs of the DSL service that I get, and thus the DSL service specs could potentially be different depending on which ISP I use? Or, are the specs of the DSL service I get determined by the RBOC's network/last mile and CO configuration, and therefor regardless of the ISP I use I will get the same DSL service specs?
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Ok, I see what you're getting at now. In general, the bandwidth available is going to be determined by the telco's choice of equipment and factors such as distance from the CO. In my case, my home was qualified for 256k/64k service or 384k/384k service.
All the ISPs supporting DSL service through GTE in my area supported 384k service, so I selected my ISP based on availability of static TCP/IP addresses, service, price, etc.
To sum it up (and hopefully answer your question), the base configuration of your DSL service is determined by the telco. Your data is then handed off to the ISP at the CO, who provides connectivity to the 'net, mail and news servers, etc.
-Eric |
