Agreed! :/

"My point is broadband relies on an active phone line"

I don't think that statement is true. I had no dial tone, nor could you call our number for over a week a few years ago but still had Eclispe internet connection.

You are correct, the only requirement is a physical copper, dosen't need to be active but most people believe it does

Could anyone explain this technically?

Best to talk to someone that knows how the connections are made at the exchange.

I suspect the connection from the cab goes to the exchange and splits in two - one to the phone setup and one to the DSL setup.

Edited by broadband66 (Mon 12-Dec-16 14:11:27)

My question is still on the table then.

In reply to a post by broadband66:

I suspect the connection from the cab goes to the exchange and splits in two - one to the phone setup and one to the DSL setup.

Think of it the same as what you have at home on a large scale - but yes, the copper wire is split using a similar splitter and voice services go to the voice rack and data/DSL goes to the DSLAM.

Now its more complex when you use Sky and/or TalkTalk where they have a single Integrated Services unit which does both functions in one.

This is why it is possible to have a break in one of the two wires somewhere in the street, and still have a partial (speeds reduced) DSL service but no voice service.

It's the only logical explanation!