Bell Canada → Re: We can use any DSL provider.

Almost....

The Dslams in ontario are configured for 1182/160 k service, no matter which provider you use thats what your gonna get. Next point the provider needs to have a local router for when your ASAM port is backhauled to them. Point:
Istop is an alternative carrier based in ottawa(I investigated them in the past and when the cap scare came out as i've investigated many of the other isps and talk to their tech's) , they did offer service in toronto too but previously before they had installed a router in toronto if I were to login my data would be back hauled over atm to ottawa before being routed on to their network, now they have a pop in toronto so my data is back hauled to that router. By all means if newtel would sign you up you could but your data would be backhauld to newfoundland before being routed onto their network. Sympatico has POP's in major centers if you notice the cities around toronto are backhauled to the toronto pop, in the case of the routing issues its still the closest local pop just nomenclature issues.

Very well explained.

So my original premise is correct. I knew we'd be backhauled onto their network. No surprise.

As for the headend in Ontario, I could well be on a Dslam with biz (depends on where my card was dropped due to available space in my CO) and already be on circuits >1000/160. If I wasn't though, and got signed up with Newtel,(ignoring the distance issue) a Bell tech would have to card me to the Dslam supporting my subscribed rate.

That's how it works when you transition from home DSL rates to biz DSL rates. No surprises. However, I can see Bell balk at re-carding me with bizlike data rates but home service. But since Bell charges back to the other carriers anyway,(local or otherwise) then it's a moot point.

IMHO we could see more people requesting this in the future.

Assuming you on one of the aclatel ASMS (essentially any modem other then the nortel) there isn't a diffrientaion. the Aclatel 1000 (and 7300s in newer installs) are modular they span upto 8000/800 k with nothing more then a couple settings in the software. All the ASAM in ontario and quebec are set at 1182/160 for residential customers. Heres the sympatico/nexxia collusion: if you notice all the alternate carriers are the same speed (no matter what they say on their site they are all 1182/160k residential). Nexxia won't install any res loops greater then that simply because the isps would have a one up on sympatico. Now Assuming you got signed up with newtel, you'd have to battle it out (and one I'm sure nexxia wouldn't let you win) to try and get your ASAM changed. If they allowed other isps to dictate the rates then sympatico would be at a disadvantage. Nexxia only has the 1182/160k price point for res loops so from a billing standpoint anyother speed is currently impossible.

calvinandhob.. if it does work... ehheh share the story.. I wouldn't mind diong the same thing =P