Covad offers self-install kit for DSL

Covad Communications, a provider of high-speed DSL (digital subscriber line) Internet connections, will introduce a self-installation kit Tuesday for consumer broadband connections. Dubbed DSL JumpStart, the Covad kit allows consumers to hook up DSL themselves, without having to wait weeks for a technician to assist them. The three-step process requires consumers to plug equipment into their phone jacks, hook up the modem and install software. Covad estimates the process will take just 30 minutes.

Many broadband providers are pushing consumers to install their own high-speed Net connections. Excite@Home offers self-installation and SBC Communications does via BroadJump, a software maker. Doing so allows the service providers to sign up new customers more quickly and reduces their costs significantly. On Monday, Covad also signed an agreement with PC maker Compaq Computer to provide broadband connections under Compaq's "Net Solutions for Business," a program aimed at offering Internet services for small businesses.