Several major broadcasting networks this week joined mPhase Technologies Inc. bid
to deliver television programming over digital subscriber lines.
Additional agreements were struck between mPhase (XDSL) and CNBC, MSNBC, FOX Sports, and others. The networks are set to test
mPhase’s ability to deliver television signals over a twisted pair of
copper wires.
mPhase’s flagship product, the Traverser Digital Video and Data Delivery
System, enables the simultaneous high-bandwidth transmission of voice, data
and digital TV over DSL.
In addition to the major TV networks currently under agreement with mPhase,
like A&E, BBC, C-SPAN, Comedy Central, STARZ!, and others, the additional
networks are part of an ongoing experiment being conducted by H
art Communications, Inc. in Hartwell, Georgia.
Hart Communications is the final leg of mPhase’s joint venture with AlphaStar International Inc. The
two firms formed a pact in March to design, establish, and distribute
global broadband television services over copper.
mPhase’s Traverser DVDDS uses Rate Adaptive Digital Subscriber Line
technology to enable broadband providers to simultaneously transmit
high-speed Internet access, up to 400 channels of digital television
programming and traditional voice services over copper.
Currently, satellite stations located at mPhase’s headquarters in
Connecticut receive television network content from AlphaStar. MPhase grabs
the programming content, reformats and compresses the data for transport to
the CLEC in Georgia.
Next, Hart Communications takes the data and shoots to through mPhase DSL
equipment. From there, the signal is sent over digital subscriber lines to
5 homes currently testing the system.
Ronald A. Durando, mPhase president and chief executive officer, said its
big name network lineup demonstrates the confidence that the firms have
placed in its RDSL technology.
“The increased participation of major television networks in the testing of
the Traverser also fuels increased momentum for mPhase and mPhaseTV in our
goal to supply a wide variety of digital television to homes via the
Traverser DVDDS system,” Durando said.
Dana Iannielli, Fox Cable Networks director of national accounts said
distributing its content via existing copper wiring is an interesting
proposition for viewer acquisition.
“mPhase Television presents an exciting way for Fox Cable Networks to
access the potential revenues associated with new customers,” Iannielli
said. “We’re excited about the promise presented by this testing phase.”
Upon approval of the tests, each network must sign affiliation agreements,
which would permit mPhase to distribute content to telecom companies and
DSL providers nationwide. Voice and data broadband providers would be
capable of adding TV services to their product portfolios by collocating
mPhase’s Traverser DVDDS at central office facilities.
DSL providers that tap into mPhase’s Traverser system could open up new
revenue streams that rival cable services nationwide.
The distribution of digital television content over copper telephone lines
using mPhase technology may someday allow major networks to provide
programming to U.S. homes that do not have access to coaxial cable systems.
