What is an RT and what does it do?
RT is short for Remote Terminal. An RT is generally any type of switching or routing equipment that is located outside of the traditional Telephone Central Office (C.O.). An RT is linked back to the C.O.. Most are linked by fiber optic cable either directly to the C.O. or on a SONET (Synchronous Optical NETwork). Some older RTs are linked by T1’s back to the C.O. over copper pairs.
RT’s often go by many other names depending on the manufacturer, type, or region. Some common names are: RT, Slc or “slick”, Slc96 or “slick 96”, PairGain, Fujitsu, Series5, Remote Office, LightSpan, CEV (controlled environment vault), and they go on.
RT’s are not a new technology. Many Telcos have been using the technology for decades. RTs were originally used to serve high growth areas where there are limited copper facilities. RT’s come in many shapes sizes and capabilities. Most RTs in service today are not DSL capable.
RT’s have been recently implemented to break the 18,000 foot DSL limitation from the central office and to serve people in outlying areas. The objective is to put the DSL equipment (DSLAM) closer to the subscriber, thus eliminating the distance limitation.
Note: In some cases it is possible to be too far from an RT for DSL service.
There is an RT near my home; why can't I get DSL?
Many people assume that if there is an RT near their home, they should be able to get DSL. This is flawed thinking on two levels. First and foremost, that RT may not even serve their home. There are actually cases where a party has an RT in their back yard, but they are not served by it.
Secondly, the RT may not be DSL ready. Most RTs in existence today are not DSL ready.
Where can I find out status of Project Pronto deployment for my RT?
Project Pronto has all but ceased in most areas, so there is no longer any status available.
"Project Lightspeed" is the new initiative. It will be replacing legacy DSL technology with FTTN (Fiber To The Node) or FTTP (Fiber To The Premise). Lightspeed will be placing the "node" within 3000 feet of served customers. RT's will still be deployed, but not in the traditional capacity. Lightspeed is currently being deployed in select areas.
Corporate link - »
att.sbc.com/gen/press-room?pid=5838Pronto is delayed at the moment, can I still check for DSL availability?
Is there any way to tell if you are on an RT?
Most users will not be able to tell if they are on an RT or any other "pair gain" device. Usually a technician will have to manually check. This applies to DSL as well as POTS.
If I'm connected to a RT, will it affect my speed or performance?
DSL performance is going to depend on your proximity to the DSLAM, be it C.O. or RT based. In general, customers fed from an RT are on fairly short loops (less than 12kft) and get good performance. This is not always the case. In some cases a customer can be too far away from the RT, just like someone can be too far from the C.O. for DSL service.
So, a C.O. based customer on a 6,000 foot loop would see better performance than an RT based customer with a 12,000 foot loop (to the RT). This works vice versa as well.
How do I get SBC to install an RT?
The simple answer to this question - you don't.
The only thing you can do that makes a difference is to put your name on the "waiting list" - (Please notify me when DSL is available in my area).
Calling, writing, collecting signatures, protests and demonstrations are all a waste of time. The placement of RT's is a revenue driven procedure. Once an area shows the potential for profit, it will not be long before the Splicers arrive.
You may think your area has good potential because of your desire for broadband; but in actuality there may be little interest or profit potential in the area.
Contrary to popular belief, affluent neighborhoods do not necessarily get preferential treatment. Rich people pay just as much for DSL as poor people (sometimes less).
If your are at your wits end and truly tired of waiting, might I suggest:
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