Updated July 21, 2017
DSL Line Function
DSL service delivers Internet access by dividing a phone line into two frequencies: part to handle incoming and outgoing data packets, and the other part to handle regular voice service. This was a major technological improvement from the older 56Kbps Internet service. The 56Kbps connections operated entirely over the phone’s voice line. Consequently, any time you went online, anyone trying to call you was greeted by a busy signal.
Phone Service
DSL technology uses the phone line, but not the voice component. This is why the divided line allows you to simultaneously surf the Internet and talk on the phone line at the same time. Because DSL technology divides the line, the two parts aren’t dependent upon one another, nor do they interfere with one another. Consequently, you can choose to pay for voice service, DSL service or both services on your phone lines.
DSL Service
DSL uses a house’s existing phone line infrastructure for its connections. These are generally used for voice service or standard telephone calling plans. However, in an age in which many individuals are choosing to use Voice over IP telephone service and mobile phones as primary telephone lines, these physical phone line jacks often go unused. Despite this, as of 2011 they’re still standard features of any residential or commercial construction project.
Final Necessity
Because of the nature of DSL technology, if you want DSL service, you need phone lines in your home that are currently connected to the greater municipal telephone infrastructure. This doesn’t mean that your lines are currently active, merely that you could choose to activate the lines with a service if you so chose. If you don’t have phone lines or phone lines that can be activated, you can’t get DSL service. However, as long as you live in an area in which a company offers DSL service, and a technician can connect your lines to the greater infrastructure, then you can get DSL service. Resources Writer Bio
