Consumers may be tightening their pocketbooks, but research from Strategy Analytics reveals that broadband is one thing they won't give up. Verizon Communications is proof of that trend as it added 300,000 net TV customers and 303,000 Internet FiOS Fiber to the Premise (FTTP) subscribers during the second quarter. To fuel continued FTTP growth, Verizon is extending FTTP availability into more Multi-Dwelling (MDUs) by deploying smaller Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) from Alcatel-Lucent and Motorola. Penetrating the MDU market has been shrouded in controversy as the cable companies have been fighting hard with policy makers to get exclusive service contracts from building owners.
Initially targeting its New York, Southern California and Tampa Bay markets, the new ONTs can be housed under a user's desk or on a shelf much like a broadband router. Given the challenges of gaining access to wiring closets and running fiber into building units, Verizon believes these new ONTs will ease the installation process for both the building owner and the end-user.
"Building owners and residents alike will appreciate the simplicity these new ONTs bring to the installation and use of FiOS services," said Vincent O'Byrne, technology director at Verizon's product and technology development labs in Waltham, Mass. "By running fiber from the point of entry to the new, smaller ONTs, installers can make fewer runs of coaxial and computer cables. As a result, the whole installation experience will be cleaner and simpler for the customers."
For more:
- Here's the official release
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