Broadband Bob Report


11/09/01


1. More EarthLink & AOL Launches over TW; Trial over Cox
2. Cox to Deploy ADC's CMTS in Multiple Markets
3. SiGe Semiconductor Introduces Downstream DOCSIS Tuners
4. Acterna Introduces Cable Modem Installation Meter
5. HighSpeed Surfing Introduces Modular Cable Modem
6. Regional Cablesystems to Deploy Samsung Modems
7. Motorola's USB Driver for Modem Earns Microsoft Logo
8. Yankee Group Releases Cable Modem Provisioning Study
9. Strategis Group Releases Broadband Usage Study
10. Charter Ends September with 507,700 Cable Modem Subs
11. Adelphia Ends September with 315,104 Cable Modem Subs
12. NTL Ends September with 79,200 Cable Modem Subs

1. More EarthLink & AOL Launches over TW; Trial over Cox
EarthLink and AOL have introduced their respective services over Time Warner systems in Houston (1.2 million HHP), San Antonio (600,000 HHP), and Milwaukee (750,000 HHP). The providers are also participating in an open access trial over Cox's system in El Dorado, Arkansas. The 6-month trial has each provider delivering cable modem service to 25 users.

The Cox trial follows an agreement reached between EarthLink and AOL last April. EarthLink also has landed access deals with AT&T and Comcast, in addition to its long-time relationship with Charter.

EarthLink
http://www.earthlink.net

AOL
http://www.aol.com

Time Warner
http://www.timewarner.com

Cox Communications
http://www.cox.com


2. Cox to Deploy ADC's CMTS in Multiple Markets
ADC has said that Cox is deploying its Cuda 12000 CMTS in Phoenix, Tulsa, Fredicksburg (VA), and Amirillo and San Angelo (TX). The MSO plans to deploy the technology in other West Texas markets through 2003. Cox already uses a Cuda CMTS in some of its mid-American markets.

The Cuda 12000 is a 14-slot DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS CMTS with an integrated IP router.

Cox Communications
http://www.cox.com

ADC
http://www.adc.com


3. SiGe Semiconductor Introduces Downstream DOCSIS Tuners
SiGe Semiconductor has introduced StreamCharger, a silicon germanium based downstream DOCSIS tuner that integrates a noise amplifier, mixer, IP amplifier, crystal oscillators, phased locked loops, and IC interfaces into 30 components. The technology, designed for cable modems, set-tops, and cable telephony equipment, consumes 500mW of power, operates on a single-supply voltage of 3.3V, and incorporates multiple power down modes. The tuner supports up to 256 QAM digital formats. StreamCharger can be integrated in indoor or outdoor equipment, operating in temperatures ranging from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius.

The tuner is currently being tested by a SiGe customer. Sample quantities are scheduled for availability in the first quarter of next year, with production volumes available in the first half of 2002.

SiGe Semiconductor
http://www.sige.com


4. Acterna Introduces Cable Modem Installation Meter
Acterna has introduced Digital Service Activation Meter (DSAM), a DOCSIS cable modem installation meter that communicates with a CMTS to install the modem and performs analog and digital tests such as signal level, miniscan, upstream ingress spectrum view and QAM quality parameters (MER/EVM and pre/post FEC BER). The meter features auto-testing.

Acterna
http://www.acterna.com


5. HighSpeed Surfing Introduces Modular Cable Modem
HighSpeed Surfing [HSS] has introduced the SM200, a modular DOCSIS cable modem designed for user-installed snap-on modules to support a variey of services. HSS has already developed the SM 200 AP, a module for support of 802.11b WiFi wireless networking. The module features a 2 port 10/100Base-T Ethernet switch, and can be used as a stand-alone device. HSS plans to establish an alliance program that will allow developers to build modules for use with the modem.

HighSpeed Surfing
http://www.highspeedsurfing.com


6. Regional Cablesystems to Deploy Samsung Modems
Samsung has said that Regional Cablesystems will deploy its cable modem as it expands it high-speed service over the next 6 months. Cabletel will act as the vendor's distributor.

Regional is Canada's 6th largest MSO, operating more than 700 cable systems.

Samsung
http://broadband.samsungusa.com

Regional Cablesystems
http://www.regionalcable.com


7. Motorola's USB Driver for Modem Earns Microsoft Logo
Motorola has announced that its V2.0 USB driver for its SURFboard SB4100 and SB4101 cable modems has earned the Designed for Windows Logo for Windows 98, 2000, XP, and ME. The driver includes digital signatures, system file protection, and Windows update.

Motorola has shipped more than 6.4 million cable modems. Its modems are available in more than 2,000 retail outlets in the U.S. including Circuit City, Best Buy, The Wiz, and CompUSA.

Motorola
http://www.mot.com/broadband/


8. Yankee Group Releases Cable Modem Provisioning Study
The Yankee Group has released "Residential Broadband: Provisioning Cable Modem Service," a study that provides DSL and cable modem forecasts as well as explores strategies and cases for reducing provisioning costs. The firm finds that cable modem and DSL services will pass 75% of U.S. homes by the end of 2001, up from 60% at the end of 2000. Cable modem service will pass 66% of homes, while DSL will pass 45%.

The Yankee Group also finds that cable operators spend $360 on average on each cable modem install.

Yankee Group
http://www.yankeegroup.com


9. Strategis Group Releases Broadband Usage Study
The Strategis Group has released "Broadband Users: Cable vs. DSL," a report that studies attitudes and usage trends among cable modem and DSL subscribers. The firm finds that more than half of broadband households would keep their broadband service even if their monthly bills increased by $10.

Strategis Group
http://www.strategisgroup.com


10. Charter Ends September with 507,700 Cable Modem Subs
Charter Communications has reported ending the third quarter with 507,700 cable modem subscribers (approximate 8% penetration rate), up 102,000 from the previous quarter. The MSO's data service passes 56% of its homes passed. Charter expects to end the year with 630,000 cable modem subs.

Charter Communications
http://www.chartercom.com


11. Adelphia Ends September with 315,104 Cable Modem Subs
Adelphia Communications has reported ending the third quarter with 315,104 cable modem subs, up 60,000 from the previous quarter. Adelphia expects to end the year with 375,000 subs.

Adelphia Communications
http://www.adelphia.com


12. NTL Ends September with 79,200 Cable Modem Subs
NTL has reported ending the third quarter with 79,200 cable modem subscribers. The MSO expects to end the year with 100,000 subs.

NTL
http://www.ntl.com




© Copyright 2000 Gecko Research & Publishing

The Broadband Bob Report is a weekly take of the latest news regarding data over cable, 2-way HFC networks and related applications and services. Subscribers to Broadband Bob’s Cable Modem Mailing List receive the Broadband Bob Report via E-Mail each Monday. For info on joining the mailing list, visit http://www.hfc.net/mailinglist

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