AT&T Deploys Bonded VDSL

In an attempt to extend the reach of its U-Verse services, AT&T has begun deploying pair-bonded very high bit-rate DSL (VDSL) in the last-mile, copper portion of its fiber-to-the-node (FTTN) network.

The technology — which bonds two copper wires together  – extends the network’s reach an additional 1,000-2,000 feet in a neighborhood. The variety of DSL that AT&T is using, VDSL, has a useful range of around 3,000 feet from the video-ready access devices (VRADs) that are the fiber-fed nodes in the U-verse network.

AT&T initially announced its intention to deploy pair-bonding back in 2007, but was faced with unexpected delays along the way, including modem chipset issues. The technology was supposed to help AT&T compete head-on with the broadband speeds offered by DOSCIS 3.0 cable systems. However, AT&T now reports that pair bonding won’t increase the bandwidth the telco can deliver over the network. Instead, the telco plans to use the technology to enhance its reach, offering video to more subscribers.

The current maximum downstream speeds for pair-bonded VDSL will remain at 18 Mbps, while the telco offers the 24-Mbps Max Turbo tier to certain customers located closer to VRADs. In comparison, Comcast’s 50 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 service already is available in 80% of its service areas, and the cable provider has been rolling out a 100 Mbps DOCSIS 3.0 service in select markets.

AT&T is rolling out pair-bonded VDSL in select markets, with intentions to deploy the technology throughout its entire 22-state territory. AT&T expects to pass 30 million homes by end of 2011, up from 23.8 million at the end of March 2010.

For more, Broadband Reports has this post.

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3. Alcatel-Lucent Achieves 300 Mbps over Copper
4. Verizon Upgrades Max DSL to 15 Mbps
5. Cable Co. Introduces First HSPA+ Network in U.S.