Kingston Communications and Newbridge Team up to
Bring Interactive Multimedia Services to Hull
Residents
Newbridge 3dSL Solution Enables Kingston to Deliver Voice, Broadcast and
Internet Services to Residential TV Sets via Existing Phone Lines
MAIDENHEAD, October 7, 1999 ? Residents of the city of Hull will be the first in Europe
to enjoy next-generation multi-media services such as video-on-demand and high speed
Internet access, via existing copper telephone cable. Newbridge Networks (NYSE: NN;
TSE: NNC) today announced that Kingston Communications, an independent telecom
operator based in Hull, has deployed the Newbridge 3dSL solution enabling it to deliver full
broadband access entertainment services to its customers over existing telephone lines. This
contract will pave the way for the launch of Europe's first 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 on 18 October, initially to a
maximum 1,500 customers. This will be followed by a phased rollout to Kingston's
155,000-strong residential customer base.
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 the completion of a deal with Newbridge Networks to supply the
3dSL digital media distribution system. This combines ATM switching, ADSL technology
and 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 4.5Mbps (Megabits per second) ? ensuring
a quality picture comparable to other digital television providers.
"By adopting the Newbridge 3dSL solution, Kingston becomes Europe's first operator to
exploit its existing 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, 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 including Channel 5 ? 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 2Mbps. 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.
Newbridge Networks designs, manufactures, markets and services wide area networking
solutions for Internet service providers; local, long-distance, and wireless communications
companies; cable television carriers; and corporate customers in more than 100 countries.
The Company leverages its relationship with a growing family of Newbridge Affiliate
companies and strategic alliances with numerous other networking companies to deliver
complete, end-to-end solutions. Newbridge customers include the world's 350 largest
telecommunications service providers and more than 10,000 corporations, government
organisations and other institutions. Founded in 1986, the Company employs more than
6,000 people on six continents. News and information are available at www.newbridge.com
- end -
Newbridge and logo are registered trademarks of Newbridge Networks Corporation.
Newbridge Networks will be demonstrating its 3dSL solution at Telecom 99 in Geneva from
October 9-17 on Stand # 7172. For further information, please visit their Web site at:
newbridge.com
CONTACTS:
Industry Analysts: Marc Stephens
(01633) 413 600
marc@newbridge.com
Media:Abbey Connor
(01628) 428 729
aconnor@newbridge.com
Financial Analysts:John Lawlor
(613) 591-3600
jlawlor@newbridge.com
Strategic Alliance Int: Mark Pullen
(01494 434 434
mpullen@sai.co.uk
For more information, contact Corporate Communications. |
