IP Democracy: What's Holding Up Project Lightspeed?

While Verizon makes headlines with the launch of its fiber-to-the-premise network in Keller, TX, where’s SBC’s parallel fiber-based video effort? The telco announced last fall that its fiber-to-the-node Project Lightspeed would be up and running in commercial mode by the end of fourth quarter 2005, but that’s not going to happen.

The delays are hard to pinpoint, although three factors seem to be the main culprits. First, there are hitches with Microsoft’s IPTV platform, although SBC isn’t putting the blame on MSFT, as has been rumored. Secondly, the telco faces a massive integration job with a slew of vendors including not only Microsoft, but also Alcatel, Sigma Designs, Scientific Atlanta, Motorola and Amdocs.

Finally, although SBC has been successful using VDSL technology in getting at least 20 to 25 Mbps bandwidth speeds over its copper loops, that may not be enough capacity for shipping high-definition signals. SBC is banking on shipping high-def in MPEG-4 format, instead of the traditional MPEG-2 standard, and everyone is waiting on the necessary MPEG-4 gear. Without adequate high-def delivery, SBC is going to have a tough time competing in the marketplace.

More on the status of SBC’s Project Lightspeed at IP Media Monitor.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on September 26, 2005 1:50 PM to IP Democracy