A load coil corrects the electrical loss on a line when bridge taps cause minute or excessive electrical loss. Unfortunately it sort of moves the loss above the voice frequency and into the frequency that ISDN and DSL travels in. Each telco is required to remove these coils or at least a certain portion of them (certain number of feet). This is also called a loaded line or unloaded line on occasion.

A device used to extend the voice reach of a local loop beyond 18,000 feet. All load coils must be removed from a line in order for DSL to work.