Regulatory

November 11, 2002
ITU defines video, data and voice services for broadband

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND -- The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has approved the specifications that will allow traditional 'copper wire' telecom operators to compete cost-effectively with cable and satellite operators in providing the 'triple play' of multimedia services -- multiple, high-quality digital video streams, high-speed Internet access and voice services.

"Operators will be able to offer these new services at significantly reduced deployment costs, and consumers will benefit as new multimedia services are offered," said Don Clarke, Chairman of the ITU-T Focus group. "This means that while Mom is checking the TV weather forecast in one room, the kids are enjoying a movie in another, and Dad can be reading his email."

Significant interest has been shown in very high-speed digital subscriber line (VDSL) services, with operators including Bell Canada, Qwest, Telecom Italia and Telenor carrying out trials. Bell Canada, which already has a triple-play service proposition, plans to extend this service to apartment buildings using VDSL. It cites the service as providing new competitive opportunities to generate revenues via the enhanced interactivity that VDSL provides.

The specifications were approved at the first meeting of the ITU-T 'Full Service - Very high-speed Digital Subscriber Line' (FS-VDSL) Focus Group. "These specifications now make the delivery of fully interactive multimedia services via VDSL an economic reality. Once they are true worldwide standards, I expect that we will see even greater returns to both operators and consumer," added Clarke. He said that thanks to the continuing advances in video compression, operators will be able to ensure that the quality of the images will match those provided by cable and satellite.

Contact:
ITU-T Focus Group FS-VDSL/ ITU-T Study Group 16
Email: johnmagill@ties.itu.int
Web: http://itu.int/ITU-T/studygroups/com16/fs-vdsl