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Yeah, I never understood this either. If electrical lines, or phone lines offering dial-ups can be laid down, and the major cost is digging, then why can ADSL o

• mrkstu 6y ago
  DSL slows over distance. If you're far enough out, you're basically back to dial-up speeds unless they are willing to build cabinets closer, which no North American carrier I've heard of is still doing for DSL. BPL (Broadband over Powerline) also requires heavy investment [0]: - Only low and medium voltage power cables can be used for access BPL. - Signals need booster equipment to make them travel long distances. - Transformers, circuit breakers, and surge protectors can interfere with broadband signals. [0] https://www.explainthatstuff.com/broadbandoverpowerlines.html https://www.explainthatstuff.com/broadbandoverpowerlines.htm...
  • hnarn 6y ago
    > DSL slows over distance. Again, can't the exact same argument be made for why some citizens shouldn't be connected to the electrical grid? While I don't dispute that electricity is more vital than a fiber connection, the point I'm trying to make is that this is primarily a political issue and not an economical one. I don't think anyone was suggesting BPL as an alternative.
    • mrkstu 6y ago
      Ok, I mistook your mentioning of electrical connection as suggesting BPL as an alternative delivery mechanism. But again, no NA carrier I'm aware of is pushing out new DSL DSLAMs anywhere in the country or even building out copper capability at all in new neighborhoods. Its a legacy technology that isn't being invested in, for good or ill.