In a partnership with Arris, the French-based Altice Group is rolling out gigabit Internet services to SFR customers in France, with Suddenlink in the U.S. and Orange-Tricom subscribers in the Dominican Republic.
The two companies are deploying the Arris E6000 Converged Edge Router, which sets the stage for adoption of more DOCSIS 3.1 technology.
DOCSIS 3.1, the latest evolution in data over cable service interface specification, could be a game changer for the Internet and TV industry, providing multigigabit Internet speeds and interoperability among modem manufacturers and service providers. Many believe the new international telecommunications standard is the first step toward bringing data-hungry technologies such asaugmented reality, ultra-high definition 4K television, tele-existence, medical imaging and advanced gaming systems to cable customers.
CableLabs President and CEO Phil McKinney says the development of the new DOCSIS has been faster than expected.
“This represents the most rapid development and implementation cycle for a broadband technology development program ever delivered by CableLabs,” McKinney said. “Development of the initial DOCSIS 3.1 specifications to product certification has occurred in half the time of previous DOCSIS specifications.”
CableLabs certified DOCSIS 3.1 in January.
“Altice is fast-becoming a major player in the global pay-TV market and it’s an exciting time for Arris to be collaborating with operators from the Altice Group around the world,” said Bruce McClelland, president of network, cloud and global services at Arris, touching on the long-term outlook of the partnership.
Altice CTO Max Blumberg said the router upgrade creates a “clear roadmap for the future. We look forward to deploying the platform across the Altice properties as we strive to deliver the broadband speeds and services our customers demand from us.”
