Originally posted here by @tt!tud3
they have cables running underground. they have people that go setup work for them that go setup internet at peoples houses. they have huge facilities that basically connect everyone they service to the internet.
@tt!tud3, It appears you may be grouping TELCO's that provide Internet Services in with all ISPs. They are not necessarily the same. There many a Ma & Pa Shop that are ISPs.

We have above ground, underground, submarine cables, and satellite service providers. So it's a combination of all. Where I have lived in the U.S., most of the setup was done over the telephone, there weren't any on site service techs. The provider was on one end with his flip chart and you are one the other. They simply walk you though the process. For DSL, an on site service tech checks the speed to make sure you're getting what you pay for and since DSL ops on a different freq than your normal phone line, it can be used on the same line. Thus he is done unless you need a couple of filters or an extra jack. Then the rest was once again completed over the telephone after your modem arrived in the mail.

mnchur's article provides insight for T1's in rural areas. At work the Telco's responsibility stops at his box, the rest is yours.

Anyone else have different experiences?

cheers