George Patterson wrote:

In order to handle DSL, the service address must be pretty close to the
central office (IIRC, 5,000'). The entire cable must also be free of
load coils. Most ISPs simply check the distance but have no way of
knowing if coils are on the cable.

My ISDN line (128k) back in the mid 90's was over 40 miles long. My DSL
line(s) today are under 18,000 foot. Even with 3 DSLs and a cablemodem
connection, I'm still saving money over what I used to pay...