Minnesota DSL ruling may be key

Minnesota DSL ruling may be key

Upstart digital subscriber line (DSL) service providers are applauding a recent Minnesota decision that could lead to faster provisioning of DSL services.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has given US West until November to devise a plan to share phone lines with DSL carriers. The plan would have to outline how DSL carriers can simultaneously sell their services on the same phone lines over which US West offers regular phone service.

DSL service providers say it would be easier and less expensive for them to roll out services if regional Bell operating companies such as US West are forced to share lines. Because most homes already have phone lines, DSL carriers would not have to wait for separate lines to be installed. And because the lines would be shared with the regional Bell operating company, the lines would cost DSL carriers less to lease.

The Federal Communications Commission is also looking at the issue and might rule before the Minnesota deadline.

- Tim Greene