Problems of DSL

     The probable pitfalls of the DSL system is perhaps the ones that deal with the basic installation aspects. The installation process may either take too long or the service may not be available in the customer's area. The specific factors related to the Installation problems that a probable customer might encounter are:distance, equipment,andline conditioning.

      Distance

      It is the length of the telephone wire that actually determines if a customer is within or outside the distance of availability.  Telephone lines do not follow a straight path to a customer's house, and the DSL service (particularly of PLDT which deployed it in the Philippines), is within a loop length of 4.0 km or 18,000 feet from the telephone company's Central Office (CO). *Also, the telephone company that gives you the DSL service may not offer the DSL service in your area. (PLDT offers this service only in selected areas of Metro Manila: Makati, Ortigas, Alabang, Greenhills. It is soon to be offered in selected areas of : Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Malate, Binondo, Sampaloc and Paranaque).

      Equipment

      The CO or Central Office in which you are connected to may not be properly equipped with the adequate technology that is necessary for the DSL service. The CO must be equipped with a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM), along with DSLAM ports.

      Line Conditioning

      The Local loops must be in good condition. This refers to the copper pair that runs between the house and the local CO or central office. If they need to be cleaned or "conditioned", delays in the installation process will occur, or in worst-case scenarios, the order may have to be canceled.