Scientific Atlanta Delivers Prisma IP Platform for Cox Communications Cellular Backhaul Service

DENVER - SCTE Cable-Tec Expo 2006 - To help wireless service providers add increased reliability and flexibility to their networks, Cox Communications has initiated cellular backhaul service in Oklahoma City, Okla. and Pensacola, Fla. using a Scientific Atlanta® Prisma IP platform. In addition to providing support for an increased number of wireless customers growing call volume, the cellular backhaul service delivers further scalability to support an expanding range of new services being introduced by wireless operators.

Strong growth is projected for the cellular backhaul market. "There is an expanding gap between current backhaul capabilities and future requirements. The increased demands that new wireless services will place on the backhaul capacity of existing networks and the wireless operators' desire to have access to the reliability and widespread availability of our HFC network creates an attractive business opportunity," said Brian Fairless, chief technologist, Cox Communications, Oklahoma City. "The Prisma IP E-series provided a cost-effective way to extend to wireless operators those carrier-grade services that had been offered to our medium and large enterprise customers and to wireless operators."

"By leveraging their extensive full-service networks, cable operators can now capitalize on a burgeoning opportunity in the cellular backhaul market," said Mark Palazzo, vice president and general manager of Metro Access Networks, Scientific Atlanta. "Our Prisma IP platform enables cable operators to quickly and economically serve wireless operators who are particularly motivated to find alternative solutions to their current transport solutions as their backhaul needs grow. Cable operators can use an existing, installed system or deploy the Prisma IP platform for 'greenfield' opportunities."

"A fiber solution offers our wireless customers increased control over network powering, which is attractive to them, and the ring architecture provides fail-over protection which can keep calls active in the event of a disruption in ring continuity," said Mark Kayser, sales engineer, Cox Business Services for Cox Communications, Pensacola.

About Prisma IP

Prisma IP is a packet-based Multi-Service Provisioning Platform (MSSP) that helps enable the bandwidth efficient delivery of voice, video, and data services. Specifically designed to support advanced Ethernet services, such as VPNs and multicasts, the platform also offers the ability to support legacy TDM and a variety of video (ASI, SDI, and IF) interfaces. Prisma IP leverages an advanced element management system that offers point and click, end to end services provisioning - reducing time to revenues and lowering operations expenses. Available in several chassis styles and configurations, this future-friendly MSPP efficiently supports today's requirements while offering a path to tomorrow's all-IP networks.