CABLE AND WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS ORDER 100,000 DIGITAL SET-TOP BOXES FROM PACE MICROTECHNOLOGY
Cable and Wireless Communications has confirmed an initial order of 100,000 advanced digital set-top boxes from Pace Micro Technology plc. The boxes will improve Cable and Wireless' digital offering by supporting a wider range of enhanced Internet and interactive services.
The boxes ordered from Pace incorporate a high-speed cable modem which conforms to the internationally-supported, 'open' MCNS standard. This will allow Cable and Wireless Communications to source from several suppliers, and to provide customers with upgraded services as they become available without the need for a new box, 'sidecar' or any other accessory.
As well as supporting Internet access through the television, the digital box will provide PC users with high-speed access to the Internet via the cable modem and broadband network, rather than the traditional telephone network.
'MCNS' (Multimedia Cable Network System) is a consortium of the leading equipment manufacturers, software companies and cable operators promoting a common standard for cable modem technology. Given the scale of support, it has been widely adopted as a de facto industry standard and is now an international standard recognised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
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