Since IDSL uses the same standards as ISDN, what's the difference between the two. The table below shows some of the key factors for each.

Let's clarify some things in the table...

Monthly Cost (Qwest)
ISDN replaces the existing phone line (like RADSL). You will use the same line to connect to the Internet and take/make calls. This means that the $69 monthly fee for ISDN includes basic voice service.

Note: Features such as Caller ID and Voice Messaging may cost extra or not be available.

IDSL actually uses a completely separate phone line than your voice line. Thus, all the features currently on your voice line will stay on your voice line. However, this also means that you will pay the full $69.95 in addition to whatever appears on you phone bill currently.

The bonus to either IDSL or ISDN is that, if you have a second line just for Internet access, you can drop that line.

Monthly ISP (and Dedicated) costs
As mentioned in the What is IDSL section, ISDN runs through the regular phone system. This means your ISDN equipment is a specialized modem. Whenever you want to connect to the Internet, you need to dial in to the Internet provider.

Just like a dial-up connection, most Internet providers are not going to let you log in and stay logged in forever. That would prevent other people from connecting to the ISDN "modem" on the provider's end. If you want this dedicated connection, you typically need to pay substantially more.

Now, IDSL doesn't run through the regular phone network. It goes through the same high-speed network used for DSL. This means the IDSL equipment is more like a router on a network. This also means that the IDSL connection is always on, for only $16.95 for StarNet ($18.95 for monthly invoicing)--less expensive than most Internet providers charge for dial-up ISDN.

Setup Costs and Equipment
For ISDN, the setup fee includes just Qwest converting your phone line. You need to purchase the ISDN equipment, install, and configure it yourself.

For IDSL, the setup charges include the following:

The "modem" is a Motorola Vanguard 65. You do not have to get it when you order. Any ISDN modem/router should work. They range in price from $40-$500, depending on what you want it to do

Note: You should also be aware that Qwest may only provided limited technical support if you use other ISDN equipment.

The setup fee covers the cost of bringing up the second phone line and hooking it up to the DSL network.

The install fee is for a technician to install the equipment at your home/office. During the intial offering of IDSL, this will not be optional.

Maximum Speed
As mentioned in the What is IDSL section, ISDN separates the phone line into two usable channels (of 64 Kbps). If you get ISDN on the line you use to make/receive calls, those calls will have to use one of those channels. Thus if you are on the phone while on the Internet, you will only have one channel (64 Kbps) available for your Internet connection.

However, IDSL uses a completely separate line. Thus, your connection will always be operating at 128 Kbps, no matter what you are doing on the regular, voice line.