DSL FAQs

Have questions about DSL? We've prepared an extensive (and growing) FAQ to address your questions. This FAQ is constantly being updated, so check back for additional questions and answers.

Q. What is DSL?

A. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL is not just one technology, but a collection of similar technologies. Essentially, DSL is a high-speed data service. The particular type of DSL service we provide, known as Rate-Adapative DSL or RADSL, has a number of features. RADSL offers speeds from 256 kbps to 1 Mbps (downstream).

Q. What are the advantages of DSL over other services?

A. Its advantage over common dial-up Internet access is primarily one of speed. Since our DSL operates at speeds that start at 256 kbps, it's faster than even dual channel ISDN, and many times faster than even the fastest dial-up modems today.

Because our DSL "rides" over an existing phone line in your home, you don't need a second phone line dedicated to dialing-up the Internet. You can use your computer and access the Internet, and still use the telephone line for incoming and outgoing voice calls.

Finally, compared to other "dedicated" Internet services, such as frame relay T1, DSL is generally more cost-effective, while still providing most of the same capabilities.

Q. Isn't DSL a lot more expensive than my dial-up Internet access?

A. Not really. DSL does, in fact, cost a bit more. But when you total the cost of DSL Internet access and compare it to dial-up access using a second phone line, you may find that the cost difference is actually very small if you cancel your second line after installing DSL service. In conjunction with Qwest, we provide a number of service levels and options that can help you reduce your costs to the maximum extent possible.

Q. Do I need a special DSL modem?

A. Essentially yes, but we call it a DSL adapter. When you order DSL service from Qwest, our DSL carrier, they will provide you with the equipment you need. Specials are frequently available to reduce the cost of this equipment, or in some cases, even provide it to you for free. Ask us for current offers. Keep in mind that there are several DSL technologies, and they are not interoperable. If you have a current DSL adapter that uses RADSL technology, it should work with our service. Otherwise, you'll need new DSL equipment in order to use the service.

Q. What does Qwest have to do with this? Is it you or Qwest that offers DSL?

A. DSL is not that unlike dial-up Internet access. With dial-up service, you need a phone line from the telephone company, and Internet access from a company like us here at TDE. With DSL, it's much the same... You need a DSL circuit, in our case from Qwest, and Internet access service to run on it, which we can now provide. The only difference is that, unlike your regular telephone line, your DSL circuit (or link) is dedicated exclusively to Internet connectivity. So, you get your DSL link from Qwest, and your Internet DSL access service from us here at TDE. Both are needed to provide you with DSL.

Q. Who do I order DSL service from then?

A. To begin the order process, you place a DSL service order with Qwest. When you select "DENVER EXCHANGE" (which is how we're listed) as your ISP during that process, we'll be notified. If you're a current customer, we'll take it from there. If you're a new TDE customer, welcome! We'll contact you by telephone to complete the ordering process for the access portion of your DSL service, including billing information, etc.