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> Some Cell Phone Users Demand to Stand Alone
> By JOHN C. ROPER
> Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
> A growing number of U.S. consumers are cutting the cord on traditional
> home telephone service, choosing instead to exclusively use cell > phones.
> But many of these consumers have found ditching their land-line phone
> service, and its accompanying cost, isn't possible if they want speedy
> DSL, or digital subscriber line, Internet service in their homes.
> Providers such as SBC Communications require customers to buy
> residential phone service to have access to their broadband lines, a
> tactic consumer advocacy groups say is unfair.
The independents, such as Covad, have had to order and use separate loops since they started in business.
Cross-subsidy and competition issues aside, the Bells are certainly _able_ to offer the service on a technical level.
William