TECHNOLOGY: HIGH-SPEED NET COMES TO JACKSON

JACKSON, Mo. -- Southwestern Bell began offering high-speed Internet access in Jackson this week, an advent expected to help ease some of the congestion in the community's phone lines.

Digital Subscriber Line technology enables customers to access the Internet at speeds up to 200 times as fast as standard analog modems and to talk on the phone while using the Internet without needing an extra line. The technology pushes data along the same copper phone line that carries voice communication. A special modem and installation are required.

Faster Internet access reduces the time required for downloads and improves the quality of streaming video and audio and interactive gaming. DSL connection with the Internet is never terminated unless the computer is turned off.

DSL became available to Cape Girardeau customers in June. In both Cape Girardeau and Jackson, only houses and businesses located within 3 miles of the DSL central office can receive the service. They must meet certain transmission criteria, and most do. About 8,000 customers are eligible in Jackson.

Last year, calls to Jackson during peak periods sometimes resulted in busy signals no matter what number was called. A Southwestern Bell spokeswoman said those difficulties have subsided but that DSL is part of a plan to solve the overall problem.

"We are continuing efforts to improve telephone service in Jackson by a variety of means," said Emily MacDonald. "DSL is going to free up a lot of the voice traffic that is congesting some of the phone lines."

Until Oct. 31, the company is offering basic DSL service for $39.95 per month. The necessary new modem is free after a $99 rebate. Customers can install the service themselves, a process that takes about an hour, or pay the company $150 to do the job. A one-year service commitment is required.

The service is in addition to the price of the customer's phone service.

Basic DSL service provides Internet access up to 50 times as fast as a standard analog modem. Expanded DSL service with access up to 200 times as fast as standard analog also is available at higher costs.

To find out whether they qualify for DSL service, Jackson residents can phone (888) SWB-DSL1 or visit Southwestern Bell's Web site at www.swbell.com/dsl.