MAIDENHEAD, UK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 12, 1999--
Newbridge 3dSL Solution Enables Kingston to Deliver Voice, Broadcast and Internet Services to Residential TV Sets via Existing Phone Lines
Residents of the city of Hull will be the first in Europe to enjoy next-generation multimedia services such as video-on-demand and high speed Internet access, via existing copper telephone lines. Newbridge Networks (NYSE: NN.N; TSE: NNC) today announced that Kingston Communications, an independent telecommunications service provider based in Hull, has deployed the Newbridge(r) 3dSL solution enabling it to deliver full broadband entertainment services to its customers over existing telephone lines. This contract will pave the way for the launch of Europe's first asynchronous digital subscriber line (ADSL)-based interactive digital television service.
Customers in Kingston's Hull area network will have access to a range of services - digital multichannel broadcast television, true video-on-demand, fast Internet access, e-mail, and local news, information and shopping - delivered to their television set via copper telephone lines.
The launch of the new service is planned to commence this month to an initial 1,500 customers. This will be followed by a phased rollout to Kingston's residential customer base of 155,000subscribers.
Kingston Group Chief Executive Steve Maine said: "This
announcement maintains our position at the forefront of ADSL
technology, creating one of the most advanced telecommunications networks in the world. This is not just fast Internet, not just video-on-demand, not just digital television - but a full suite of services which is deliverable now over our existing network.
"We have worked with ADSL for several years and fully understand its capabilities. It is a universal technology - there are 800 million copper telephone lines globally - and we believe the kind of services we are offering will be adopted worldwide."
Kingston's launch follows an agreement with Newbridge Networks to supply the 3dSL digital media distribution system. This combines asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching, ADSL technology and Internet protocol (IP) routing and enables the rapid rollout of the service via Kingston's 14 local exchanges. Kingston will be able to
deliver services at up to 4.5 Mbit/s ensuring a picture quality comparable to other digital television providers.
"By adopting the Newbridge 3dSL solution, Kingston becomes
Europe's first operator to exploit its investment in its existing copper plant to its full potential. Kingston can now cost-effectively expand its service offerings and aggressively compete with cable operators," said Brian Keating, vice president, marketing, Newbridge Networks. "We believe that the method of delivering multimedia services is about to change dramatically and that 3dSL technology will be the catalyst that transforms European carrier companies. 3dSL removes the hurdles that these operators previously faced in trying to deliver multiple services, including interactive, broadband services, to the residential market."
Kingston has already announced that Pace will supply set-top
boxes for the service and Elmsdale Media will provide its YesTV video-on-demand service. BSkyB, Flextech and the BBC will provide multi-channel television. Services will include:
- Digital broadcast television: up to 55 channels, available for the first time in the Hull area;
- Video-on-demand: Elmsdale's YesTV will offer access to over 1,000 hours of film entertainment;
- Fast Internet access: ADSL provides for access speeds up to 2 Mbit/s. KIT will provide its own portal with links to entertainment sites, with the Kingston Group's Internet Service Provider, Kingston Internet, providing the web access;
- Local Link: a mix of local news, information, entertainment and shopping with e-commerce applications. Steve Maine said: "We will offer a range of services far in
advance of other operators. The combination of digital broadcast television and interactive services - coupled with a strong local information element - creates a very compelling package. Underpinning the service package will be our strong customer care ethos.
"As well as our commercial objectives, there is also an important social element. We believe KIT will be a key driver in increasing access to the Internet - opening up opportunities for learning and communication across our network area. We are examining opportunities to export the service further afield."
Kingston Communications (HULL) PLC is an independent
Yorkshire-based telecommunications group, providing dedicated communications, locally, nationally and internationally. The Group's three core networks businesses - the local network in Hull, the business telecommunications provider Torch Telecom and the satellite
network operator Kingston TLI - are complemented by a number of network services and equipment businesses. The Group was listed on the London Stock Exchange in July 1999 and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Kingston Interactive Television is the service arm of Kingston Vision, which was formed in November 1998 to research,
develop and market a technological platform suitable for a wide range of multimedia and interactive services.
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