In brief: Comcast selects Cisco, Nortel for network buildout

Comcast has selected routers from Cisco and optical transport gear from Nortel for a nationwide backbone buildout. Terms were not disclosed. Comcast will use Cisco's CRS-1 for its integrated national delivery platform for broadband, communications, video entertainment and future cross-platform services. Nortel will supply a dense wavelength division multiplexing system that includes its Common Photonic Layer and Optical Multiservice Edge 6500 platforms. Comcast currently provides cable and broadband services to more than 21 million customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia.

AT&T last week announced the availability of a higher-speed DSL offering for small and midsize businesses. The service, called SBC Yahoo DSL Expert Plus, doubles the bandwidth of previously available dynamic IP DSL offerings from the former SBC. It has downstream speeds of up to 6Mbps and upstream speeds of up to 608Kbps. The Expert Plus DSL package is available for businesses at a three-month introductory rate of $50 per month if purchased in a bundle. After that the service costs $65. AT&T/SBC local service and a one-year term are required.

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Comcast has selected routers from Cisco and optical transport gear from Nortel for a nationwide backbone buildout. Terms were not disclosed. Comcast will use Cisco's CRS-1 for its integrated national delivery platform for broadband, communications, video entertainment and future cross-platform services. Nortel will supply a dense wavelength division multiplexing system that includes its Common Photonic Layer and Optical Multiservice Edge 6500 platforms. Comcast currently provides cable and broadband services to more than 21 million customers in 35 states and the District of Columbia.

AT&T last week announced the availability of a higher-speed DSL offering for small and midsize businesses. The service, called SBC Yahoo DSL Expert Plus, doubles the bandwidth of previously available dynamic IP DSL offerings from the former SBC. It has downstream speeds of up to 6Mbps and upstream speeds of up to 608Kbps. The Expert Plus DSL package is available for businesses at a three-month introductory rate of $50 per month if purchased in a bundle. After that the service costs $65. AT&T/SBC local service and a one-year term are required.

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