ADSL over ISDN

Currently, TELKOM insists that an ISDN line has to be converted back to analogue before ADSL can be installed. For the few users who want both ISDN and ADSL, 2 lines are needed, with seperate rentals on each.

It's well documented that ADSL over ISDN is possible (google "ADSL over ISDN" to see some info). There is also a plethora of <b>ADSL over ISDN modems</b> available for purchase from most vendors. This is the route that Germany took, since most internet users had upgraded to ISDN before broadband became accessible.

I *suspect* that TELKOM may offer this as an option in the near future, particularly given the large installed ISDN base. In fact, on the Telkom ADSL support page (http://www.telkom.co.za/dsl/ADSLtechnical_installationwiring.shtml) - there diagram indicates ISDN as an option.

Also, if you visit the new local Marconi home page (http://www.marconisa.co.za/index2.htm), then click on product support---&gt; FAQ's---&gt;Broadband Modems, you will see a picture of a "coming soon" broadband modem called a <b>ADSL USB Modem (ISDN)</b>.

Given our limited ADSL infrastructure, this could present a more cost effective solution for those who already have ISDN. Upgrade to ADSL, and keep your ISDN line as a very good backup / alternative.

I personaly went from a very neat (yet expensive / pm) 128K ISDN connection to ADSL.
I truly enjoyed the isdn, it just got to costly at the end of the day.
ADSL is great, I love it, honest okes, I have only 2 gripes.
I couldnt give a rats ass about the cap and stuff, but I have issues with personal ftp/personal websites and if I wanna play a game overseas late at night, well, just forget it hehe.
Otherwise adsl in SA is pretty good.
The 2 issues I mention that I am not happy with, quite frankly just suck, which in real terms, is not very good from Telkom.

I read in length about Sybawoods's post on the new ADSL unshaped system and it seems its just the same old BS as usual, just a different package.

In real terms and not to be negative folks but please answer me this:

Am I naive to think that nothing will ever change in SA unless Telkom, themselves, negotiate better deals, regarding what they pay, for INT bandwidth, and how they choose to distribute that said bandwidth to the public, and also, more imporatnly at what acceptable profit margin to themselves?
Dont get me wrong, everyone is in business to make a profit but there are certain obligations that come with that, especially if you are the 'PROTECTED ENTITY' that has 'NO' competition due to current legislation.

Agghh well just my warped late night/early morning take on things hehe

I'm sure telkom has negotiated better deals long ago. If they havn't then they are doff business people. But the aren't going to tell you, that's the problem. We as consumers will not be offered better pricing because of it. It's the way of business in this world. Only when that business has competition will you all of a sudden hear how they managed to secure better, cheaper bandwidth, just for us the consumer, bla, bla, bla.
It's just another vicious circle.

<b><hr noshade size="1"></b><font size="2"><font color="red"><b>You can take Telkom out of the Post Office but you can't take the Post Office out of Telkom.</b></font id="red"></font id="size2">

Sybawoods, there is very little to do as far as conversion from ISDN to analog goes as far as I know. Remember places like Germany have far more ISDN lines in comparison to Analog lines than we do.

- Colin Alston
colin at alston dot za dot org

"Getting traffic shaping right is easy and can be summed up in one word: Dont." -- George Barnett