A Digital Signal 3 (DS3) is a digital signal level 3 T-carrier. It may also be referred to as a T3 line.
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DS3 interconnect cables must be made with true 75 ohm coaxial cable and connectors. Cables or connectors which are 50 ohm or which significantly deviate from 75 ohms will result in signal reflections which will lower the performance of the connection, possibly to the point of not working. Bellcore standard GR-139-CORE defines type 734 and 735 cables for this application. Due to losses, there are differing distance limitations for each type of cable. Type 734 has a larger center conductor and insulator for lower losses for a given distance. The BNC connectors are also very important as are the crimping and cable stripping tools used to install them. Trompeter, Cannon, Amphenol, Kings, and Canare make some of the true 75 ohm connectors known to work. RG-6 or even inexpensive RG-59 cable may work temporarily when properly connectorized, though it does not meet telephony technical standards.
DS3 service is provided to businesses in the United States through incumbent local exchange carrier and competitive local exchange carrier communication providers. The price, much like a T1 (or DS1) line, has two primary components: the loop (which is distance-sensitive) and the port (or the price the carrier charges to access the internet through their proprietary network).