1.   Although digital loop carriers have been around for years, they were originally designed only to provide regular phone service to outlying areas.

2.   Reltec, based in Cleveland, makes products called digital loop carriers, which expand the capacity of local telephone networks.

3.   The technology that is enabling Pac Bell and other phone companies to extend the range of DSL service is a device called a digital loop carrier.

4.   The tie-ups announced with four Indian firms include the manufacture of private switching systems, fibre communications systems and digital loop carriers.