ST. LOUIS, Missouri -- June 22, 1999 -- Charter Communications announced today that it has demonstrated the technical feasibility of offering telephone services over its cable systems using Internet Protocol (IP) data transmission and other networking technologies from Cisco Systems, Inc., the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet.
"The phone calls we placed today on our cable system from homes in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, are unique because they are transmitted as high-speed data from the home over our cable network, and switched using IP-based routers," stated Steve Silva, vice president, Corporate Development and Technologies for Charter Communications. "The success of this trial illustrates Charter's leadership role in applying advanced Internet technology across our robust broadband networks to deliver many new and exciting services to our customers nationwide."
Charter Communications has 5.5 million [JCR1]residential cable customers who subscribe to video entertainment and high-speed Internet access services. Using Cisco's uBR7246 Universal Broadband Routers (uBR) and uBR924 cable access routers, Charter plans to offer customers a full suite of telecommunications services including high-speed data, video services, Voice-over-IP (VoIP), Internet access, portals and content.
"Cisco's Internet and digital infrastructure leadership combined with Charter's engineering and marketing expertise are a formula for success," said Paul Bosco, general manager of Cisco's Cable Products and Solutions Group. "Together we will design, build and deliver an exciting New World of digital data, voice and video services for Charter customers. Cisco's end-to-end digital cable solutions will help make Paul Allen's "Wired World" services a reality."
The Cisco uBR7200 family of products provides cable operators with a scaleable, carrier-class solution for digital service delivery including high-speed data, local and long distance telephony, digital television and business services. The Cisco uBR family is based on the industry-leading Cisco IOS(R) software, ensuring cable operators that their digital networks will scale to support full service provider class offerings. The Cisco uBR7246 is the most widely deployed DOCSIS-qualified solution in the industry, while the Cisco uBR924 cable access router recently won the "Best of Show" and "Best Network Product" awards at the Comdex tradeshow in Chicago.
About Charter Communications
Charter Communications is a "Wired World" company owned by Microsoft co-founder, Paul Allen. Based in St. Louis, MO, Charter is the 4th [JCR2]largest multiple systems operator in the United States.Cisco Systems
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