Managing the last mile [access network]

No matter how good the transmission technology, if you can not manage it, you can not use it. Telecommunications planners are faced with simultaneously provisioning the explosion of lines linking homes and businesses with central offices and planning for a future where highly sophisticated interactive broadband services must be provided. Managing all portions of the network is complicated, but none more so than the access network known colloquially as "the last mile," the low data speed capacity lines that actually connect the home or business to the high-speed network. Before a line used for plain old telephone service (POTS), called a loop, can be used in higher speed applications it must be checked to make sure that it has the right electrical characteristics. The evolution of the loop from POTS to midband to broadband usage is examined emphasizing the relevant plant administration processes. Using today's special service administration is an expensive way to provide service. Alternates to special service provisioning are described.