I was wondering about this today; assume I have an ADSL2+ connection wired directly into my local exchange. By my understanding I am connected to Telecom (or is it Chorus now?) DSLAM equipment which is in turn connected to national backhaul (rented by my ISP), then to the ISP server/datacentre and from there to international links/peering points etc...
If I were to sign up with an ISP who has taken advantage of the unbundling legislation and installed DSLAM equipment into my exchange; what exactly would that give me as a customer?
From what I understand the ISPs DSLAM must still be connected to its rented national backhaul link and then its server(s) and international link (assuming international traffic).
From my limited understanding, it would seem that whether I am connected to Telecom (Chorus) equipment or [Insert ISP Here] equipment my connection would remain the same at least speed-wise.
Are the current Telecom (Chorus) DSLAMs incredibly old and decrepit making the upgrades necessary or is there something I do not understand in the connection process?