Posted on 05/29/2003 10:01:09 AM PDT by HAL9000
Anticipated FCC Broadband Ruling Next Major Step on Path to New Networks With
Nearly Limitless Bandwidth for Internet, Voice and Innovative Video
Applications
ATLANTA, SAN ANTONIO and NEW YORK, May 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Three of the
nation's largest telecommunications service providers -- BellSouth
(NYSE: BLS), SBC Communications Inc. (NYSE: SBC) and Verizon (NYSE: VZ) --
have adopted a set of common technical requirements based on established
industry standards and specifications for a technology known as fiber to the
premises (FTTP). These advanced fiber-optic systems can be used to connect
homes and businesses to telecom networks.
Today's announcement is a major step in paving the way for deployment of
next-generation broadband networks that offer nearly limitless bandwidth for
home and business Internet, voice and innovative new video services. FTTP,
whether to the curb or to the building, will provide an ideal platform to
support a number of emerging and evolving applications, such as interactive
gaming, photo sharing, PC backup and telecommuting, along with video
conferencing, premises surveillance and other novel video services, which
could be delivered on demand and in high definition.
The use of common technical requirements, based on existing technical
standards, will enable equipment manufacturers to more cost-effectively
develop and build FTTP equipment for BellSouth, SBC Communications, Verizon
and other service providers. Today's announcement positions the industry for
economic deployment of fiber optics much closer to homes and businesses,
enabling these communications customers to see faster rollout of powerful
broadband services. In addition, the new technology will offer enhanced
overall network reliability and service quality.
The three service providers today issued a letter to telecom equipment
manufacturers, alerting them that the providers will soon be seeking proposals
for equipment based on the common requirements. BellSouth, SBC and Verizon
will independently finalize their FTTP deployment plans for 2004 and beyond,
based on the evaluation of these proposals, ongoing internal studies, and on
the resolution of related regulatory issues.
Upcoming rulings from the FCC could settle some of the uncertainty
regarding new technologies such as FTTP and clear the path for companies to
deploy new and powerful networks. For example, the FCC is expected to soon
issue its final order under its Triennial Review of network interconnection
regulations. That ruling, the first of several anticipated, is expected to
include provisions that more clearly set forth the FCC's policy regarding new
network technologies like FTTP, including the extent to which unbundling and
pricing regulations such as those imposed on traditional copper technologies
will apply on a nationwide basis. The FCC also has additional proceedings
under way to address other potential regulatory hurdles to deployment of these
new technologies.
FTTP will enable service providers to deliver nearly unlimited bandwidth
and a full range of applications directly to residential and business
customers. FTTP can accommodate next-generation applications such as ultra
high-speed Internet access and networking, multiple voice lines and
innovative, even high-definition video applications.
"Fiber to the premises could be the most fundamental and important
enhancement in telecom communications services since wireless networks were
built," said Matt Davis, director of Broadband Access Technologies at the
Yankee Group. "With these common technology requirements, and the expected
resulting manufacturing economies, widespread FTTP deployment has the
potential to spur new telecom investment, stimulate competition across the
spectrum of communications and entertainment services, and enable innovative,
bandwidth-hungry applications for consumers."
Bill Smith, chief product development and technology officer, BellSouth,
said, "BellSouth has always been a leader in the deployment of fiber deep
within its network, resulting in almost one million households passed by the
end of 2003. This new platform, along with favorable regulatory actions, could
allow BellSouth to offer additional advantages to our customers, and we plan
to work quickly to select and deploy products that will ensure the most
cost-effective network design."
Ross Ireland, chief technology officer, SBC Communications, said, "This
development could set the foundation for the network of the next century,
coupled with the core high-speed voice and data networks in place today. Given
a supportive regulatory environment, we can begin to build a network that will
profoundly change the way Americans communicate."
Mark A. Wegleitner, Verizon's chief technology officer, said, "As we
deploy it, fiber to the premises will be a watershed advancement for Verizon
and our consumer and business customers. This technology is not only capable
of providing the services we are familiar with today, but it also opens the
door for communications, information and entertainment services previously
unimagined."
About BellSouth:
BellSouth Corporation is a Fortune 100 communications services company
headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, serving more than 44 million customers in
the United States and 14 other countries.
Consistently recognized for customer satisfaction, BellSouth companies
provide a full array of broadband data solutions to large, medium and small
businesses. In the residential market, BellSouth offers DSL high-speed
Internet access, advanced voice features and other services. BellSouth also
offers long distance service throughout its markets, serving both business and
residential customers. The company's BellSouth Answers(SM) package combines
local and long distance service with an array of calling features; wireless
data, voice and e-mail services; and high-speed DSL or dial-up Internet
service. BellSouth also provides online and directory advertising services
through BellSouth(R) RealPages.com(SM) and The Real Yellow Pages(R).
BellSouth owns 40 percent of Cingular Wireless, the nation's second
largest wireless company, which provides innovative data and voice services.
About SBC:
SBC Communications Inc. (http://www.sbc.com) is one of the world's leading data,
voice and Internet services providers. Through its world-class networks, SBC
companies provide a full range of voice, data, networking and e-business
services, as well as directory advertising and publishing. A Fortune 30
company, SBC is America's leading provider of high-speed DSL Internet Access
services and one of the nation's leading Internet Service Providers. SBC
companies currently serve 57 million access lines nationwide. In addition, SBC
companies own 60 percent of America's second-largest wireless company,
Cingular Wireless, which serves 22 million wireless customers.
Internationally, SBC companies have telecommunications investments in 22
countries.
About Verizon:
A Fortune 10 company, Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is one of the
world's leading providers of communications services. Verizon companies are
the largest providers of wireline and wireless communications in the United
States, with 136.6 million access line equivalents and 33.3 million Verizon
Wireless customers. Verizon is the third-largest long-distance service
provider for U.S. consumers, with 13.2 million long-distance lines, and the
company is also the largest directory publisher in the world, as measured by
directory titles and circulation. With approximately $67 billion in annual
revenues and 227,000 employees, Verizon's global presence extends to the
Americas, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. For more information on Verizon,
visit http://www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at http://www.verizon.com/news. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
/john
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