New Edge Networks is selling DSL-based Multi-Protocol Label Switching on a wholesale basis to its service provider customers, to enable them to offer more than best-effort service to business users.

New Edge will offer up to five MPLS classes of service, enabling retail providers to support more advanced applications over their DSL networks, said Brett Theiss, director of product management and partner solutions at New Edge. Because DSL is more ubiquitously available and at lower cost than T-1 links, service providers will be able to reach more of their customers with the new service offering, and also generate new revenues, Theiss said, without expending their own capital.

The new service also boosts sales opportunities for New Edge, which sells to incumbents and CLECs alike, offering business-grade DSL services.

One particular advantage of this new service is the New Edge will provide the technical support for the DSL-based MPLS offering, including on-site support and trouble-shooting, for the end-user, relieving the service provider of that requirement, Theiss said.

The service is particularly attractive to larger companies who have widely distributed operations, such as insurance companies, and want to tie those locations into advanced corporate applications, Theiss said.

Service providers will be able to mix and match technologies, including DSL, T-1s and private lines, to use whatever is most cost-effective and matches the applications best at each site. In addition, they can use more affordable DSL lines as backup for primary T-1 MPLS lines.