BTOpenworld stalls on long-range DSL

NEWS BTOpenworld has delayed the launch of an enhanced DSL service for customers who aren't reached by regular ADSL. The service, which goes by the ungainly moniker of Rate Adaptive DSL, is designed to bring broadband internet access to customers who live too far away from the local exchanges to get access to normal ADSL. Normal ADSL limits users to a range of 3.5km from the local exchange, but RADSL extends the range to 5.5km, opening another two million households to the joys of DSL. Would-be RADSL users still have to pass a line test to make sure their line is capable of delivering the service. The service is due to be launched today by BT Wholesale, and many ISPs have been taking advance orders for months. However, some are not taking orders from multi-access business users. But, BTOpenworld itself is not taking orders from customers more than 3.5 km from exchanges, and will not do so until "the end of the month or early next month". However, the company is planning to connect a small group of existing orders as a trial of the service. A spokesman said the delay is not the result of any technical problems. No matter what ISP is reselling it, RADSL will only be available to users of the ipStream 500 product, which is the version used by most residential customers. Anyone hoping to be connected to the ipStream S service for businesses will have to wait until the RADSL version is launched later this year.