Automated system and method for subscriber line service control

An apparatus for use by a local exchange carrier in a telephone network capable of selectively providing telephone service as well as high speed data communication service, to restrict communications over a subscriber loop circuit leased from the local exchange carrier to another carrier, the apparatus comprising:

• a first connector for electrical connection to the subscriber loop circuit;
• a second connector for electrical connection to a communication circuit provided by the other carrier;
• a variable bandpass filter connected between said first and second convectors for controlling a communication path between the subscriber loop circuit and the communication circuit provided by the other carrier;
• and
• a controller responsive to externally supplied data for programming the filter to pass a selected one of a plurality of pass bands corresponding to a subscribed level of service associated with the subscriber loop circuit.

In a telephone network capable of selectively supplying telephone service and at least one high speed data communication service, a method of restricting communications over a subscriber loop circuit leased from a local exchange carrier to another carrier to a selected service level, comprising the steps of:

• establishing a subscribed one of a plurality of possible service levels as the selected service level, for enabling communications for one or more of the services permissible over the subscriber loop circuit;
• selectively setting a variable bandpass filter to one a plurality of pass bands, the one pass band corresponding to the established service level;
• and
• filtering communication signals passing between the subscriber loop circuit and a circuit of the other carrier through the variable bandpass filter, such that the one pass band limits the communication signals to a frequency range that corresponds to the selected service level.