Ameritech's Fiber-Coax Network Expansion: Insights and Perspectives

Strategic Insights -

Ameritech, a telecommunications company, has submitted a 214 application to provide video interactive services, which will utilize a switched digital video product based on hybrid fiber-coax architecture. The company plans to employ a video server and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network to deliver digital content to a significant number of homes. Over the next five years, Ameritech aims to pass approximately 1 million homes per year, supporting basic analog and switched interactive channels, pay-per-view, and near-video-on-demand services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ameritech has filed a 214 application to provide video interactive services using a switched digital video product with a hybrid fiber-coax architecture.
  • The company plans to use a video server that packages information into a digital bit stream transmitted through its ATM network.
  • Ameritech's fiber-coax network will support basic analog and switched interactive channels, pay-per-view, and near-video-on-demand services.
  • The company has committed to using Scientific-Atlanta's RF electronics equipment but has not ordered any equipment as of now.
  • Ameritech does not have future plans for Fiber-to-the-Curb (FTTC) deployment in residential areas but is considering FTTC for business scenarios, such as business parks.
  • The company has opted for Scientific-Atlanta and ADC Telecommunications for its hybrid fiber-coax network, instead of using BBT's switched digital product chosen by Bell Atlantic.

Statistics:

  • Ameritech plans to pass approximately 1 million homes per year over the next five years with its fiber-coax network.
  • The network will support basic analog and switched interactive channels, pay-per-view, and near-video-on-demand services.
  • Ameritech has committed to using Scientific-Atlanta's RF electronics equipment.
  • The company has no future plans for FTTC deployment in residential areas.

Sources:

  • [WHAT THEY SAY...] Ameritech has filed a 214 application to provide video interactive services... ( via phone interview with Mark Vogel, 708/248-5447)