WAYNE, N.J. — Time Warner Cable could be leading the charge into delivering voice services over cable modem links with the release of a voice-over-IP service to customers in Portland, Maine.
It has been forecast in the communication market that cable operators would look to gain market share from existing telecom operators by delivering VoIP services over their cable plant. But costs associated with implementing these solutions and a tough economy have pushed most cable operators to focus on digital TV and cable modem service.
With Time Warner, one of the nation's largest cable operators, rolling out services, interest in VoIP could once again be growing in the cable sector.
"With Digital Phone, Time Warner is able to offer combined local, in-state, and long-distance calling at a flat rate which will translate into substantial savings for customers," predicted Gerry Campbell, senior vice president at Time Warner.
Cisco Systems is providing equipment for the initial service launch. According to Cisco, Time Warner is using its Broadband Local Integrated Services Solution for cable. This solution includes the BTS 10200 soft switch, uBR7246VXR cable modem termination system and MGX 8850 voice gateway products.
