A combination of algorithms and circuits can control the connectivity of a drop connection to either a telephone service or a high-speed data service at a distribution point. The algorithms and circuits can operate in the absence of a conventional power supply at the distribution point. The circuits can connect the drop connection to the high-speed data service in response to the receipt of an activation signal sent by equipment at the customer premises. After the connection to the high-speed data service is complete, the customer premises equipment can be used to apply back power to the components of the distribution point. If the customer premises equipment stops providing back power to the components of the distribution point, the circuits can connect the drop connection to the telephone service.