Potential for new digital subscriber loop technologies in selected African situations

The author reviews modern developments in telecommunications transmission and services offered over the digital subscriber loop. Issues in provision of telecommunications in African low-income urban situations are discussed. Two particular services, the High Density Subscriber Loop (HDSL) and the Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Loop (ADSL), are examined. Their appropriateness for the African urban situation is examined. The HDSL is seen as offering significant pair-gain opportunities and a new approach to planning subscriber cable installations in areas with little or no telephone service penetration. ADSL is argued to have significant potential for delivery of educational material to urban schools.