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Network hardware industry

Microtune and Com21 Form Strategic Relationship for High-Speed Cable Internet Access

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Microtune, a leading supplier of integrated RF broadband solutions, has announced a strategic relationship with Com21, a leading supplier of system solutions for the broadband access market. The partnership aims to develop silicon-based RF solutions for cable modem products that comply with the evolving DOCSIS specification and meet the requirements of the upcoming PacketCable industry standards for cable telephony.

The relationship is based on an agreement where Com21 will purchase a guaranteed quantity of Microtune's RF 4737 Tuners for its current and next-generation line of DOXport DOCSIS-certified cable modems. Com21 has also made an investment in Microtune. As part of this alliance, Com21 will work with Microtune to develop, characterize, test, and commercialize Microtune's next generation of silicon-based 'gateway' broadband tuners, called MicroTuners.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microtune and Com21 have formed a strategic relationship to develop silicon-based RF solutions for cable modem products that comply with the evolving DOCSIS specification.
  • Com21 will purchase a guaranteed quantity of Microtune's RF 4737 Tuners for its current and next-generation line of DOXport DOCSIS-certified cable modems.
  • Com21 has made an investment in Microtune as part of the agreement.
  • The partnership aims to develop low-power, high-performance RF-IC solutions that meet the requirements of the upcoming PacketCable industry standards for cable telephony.
  • Microtune's MicroTuners are targeted for integration into Com21's cable product lines in 2001.
  • The relationship positions Com21 to develop broadband cable products that meet the increasing demands of cable operators and subscribers for compelling new services, like cable telephony, and high-bandwidth applications.
  • Microtune is a leading RF silicon and systems company that designs, manufactures, and markets 'gateway' tuner-receiver solutions for use in cable modems, set-top boxes, PC/TV multimedia, TV/Digital TV, and other consumer appliances.

Statistics:

  • Over 15 million households worldwide are being served by Com21's commercial systems, as of the time of the announcement.
  • Com21 has shipped over a half million cable modems worldwide, along with nearly one thousand headend controllers.
  • Com21 has a global presence, with sales and support offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
  • Microtune holds seven patents for its RF technology, with an additional sixteen pending approval, containing a total of more than 1000 supporting claims.

Sources:

  • "Microtune, Inc. and Com21, Inc. Announce Strategic Relationship to Develop Silicon-Based RF Solutions for Cable Modem Products" (Business Wire, July 5, 2000)
  • Microtune Inc. Website (www.microtune.com)
  • Com21, Inc. Website (www.com21.com)

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