Shaw Communications builds 100G-capable intercity fiber network

Cable MSO Shaw Communications (NYSE: SJR) is the latest service provider to light a 100 Gbps-capable intercity fiber network, one that it claims is the first ever to be seen in Canada.

Working with equipment from Alcatel-Lucent (NYSE: ALU), the cable operator said the network will able to carry up to 88 100G channels over one single fiber pair.

Following a field trial over a 350 km link between Calgary and Edmonton, Shaw will be able to deliver services at a rate of 100 Gbps to subscribers.

Although Shaw has a wide-reaching traditional HFC network to deliver services, the 100G network could potentially complement its exploration into delivering Gbps-speed Fiber to the Home (FTTH) network services. Last year it conducted a Gbps-capable trial.

For Alcatel-Lucent, the latest deal with Shaw, which joins other service providers such as China Telecom and P&T Luxembourg, is another carrier validation of the vendor's 100 Gbps components.  

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