London, July 12, 2005 - Video Networks Ltd (VNL), one of the most innovative providers of consumer broadband services in the UK, is deploying a Cisco Systems Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) solution to accelerate the national roll-out of its HomeChoice video, voice and Internet, or "Triple Play" service over digital subscriber line (DSL) broadband. The VNL network expansion, which supports local loop unbundling to over 400 exchanges, is being implemented by Telindus, a Cisco Gold Certified Partner, to extend the reach of HomeChoice services from 2.4 million homes in London to 10 million homes nationwide by 2010.
HomeChoice has achieved market differentiation with its compelling broadband packages offering up to 4 megabits per second (Mbps) Internet access, IPTV with over 70 channels plus thousands of movies, videos and hit TV programmes on-demand, and flat rate IP telephony services with unlimited free national calls. The company is also pioneering the delivery of IPTV services over broadband using MPEG4 video compression in the UK. HomeChoice has been adding subscribers at a healthy rate and plans to release an updated figure later this year. Since the introduction of its telephone service in November last year, Triple Play penetration for new subscribers has reached 85 percent.
The Cisco IP NGN is designed to deliver a complete, architected network solution for Triple Play services that incorporates intelligent features for bandwidth usage optimisation and quality of service to support millions of subscribers. The cost benefits of Gigabit Ethernet and the introduction of sophisticated service control features in the Cisco IP NGN technology also provide VNL with a scalable and flexible infrastructure that helps the company to maintain its competitive edge and to meet its growth and revenue targets.
"VNL prides itself on the quality, reliability and ground-breaking value of the entertainment and communications services it delivers," said Roger Lynch, Chairman and Chief Executive, VNL. "The UK broadband market is one of the most competitive in Europe. The Cisco and Telindus solution not only helps us protect our reputation with customers, it also gives us a scalable and very cost effective way to extend our services and introduce more innovative products to millions more homes across the UK. Cisco and Telindus provide a considerable amount of expertise to support the implementation and ongoing operation of their best-of-breed solution. This was crucial to helping us meet our aggressive launch targets and made them the obvious choice for us."
"VNL is one of the pioneers of next generation TV, Internet and voice services," said Steve Wolton, director UK Service Providers, Cisco Systems UK. "VNL wanted a proven, carrier-class network capable of scaling quickly to support millions of subscribers to meet the growing demand for its popular HomeChoice services. By selecting Cisco for its national broadband network, VNL underscores Cisco's leadership in delivering Triple Play services over broadband solutions."
Peter Deacon, managing director of Telindus UK and Ireland said, "For its expanding customer base, VNL wanted us to come up with an on-demand technology solution that provides operational cost savings, scalability, and best in class infrastructure. At Telindus, we work in partnership with our customers to identify their requirements and to provide the optimal solution. The IP solution we designed for VNL will meet those requirements."
VNL is deploying a national IP NGN core and Metro Ethernet DSL aggregation network based on the Cisco 12000 Series routers and Cisco Catalyst 4507 Series switches. In addition, Cisco 7600 Series routers connect the video servers located at the company's UK data centres at Staples Corner, Croydon and Greenwich to the national network.
