ATLANTA, GA, March 9, 2009 – Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc. and Pacific Broadband Networks (PBN) today announced that they have formed a Technology Partnership to develop Fiber-to-the-Premises solutions for HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coax) network operators. The first product from this collaboration, designed and specified by Hitachi, is the Hitachi Node+ZeroTM RFoG (RF over Glass) module, a single-fiber FTTP solution that leverages existing headend and customer premises infrastructure. The Node+Zero module, introduced in June 2008, is transparent to existing DOCSIS and CMTS protocols and management systems, and accommodates RF headend and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) combinations from virtually any manufacturer.
RFoG parallels the current HFC evolution to “Fiber-deep” architecture, but extends the fiber optic path to the subscriber’s premises via a Passive Optical Network (PON) outside plant architecture. PON minimizes operational expense for powering and network balancing, and the combination of RFoG and PON offers a very flexible deployment model that allows operators to closely match network improvements to revenue potential. The solution provides more consistent service to existing customers, while providing market growth potential for higher-ARPU Small and Medium Business (SMB) customers.
“This technology alliance combines Hitachi’s long term worldwide leadership in PON technology – dating to 1994, with PBN’s expertise as a manufacturer of equipment for cable TV operators,” said Rick Schiavinato, Hitachi Telecom vice president, sales and marketing. “We are already seeing significant market traction with the Node+Zero RFoG module.”
According to Peter Saglietti, CTO Director of PBN, “PBN is pleased to collaborate with Hitachi in this alliance. The combined product development, technology, marketing and sales capabilities of the two companies allow us to offer compelling products and solutions that will make a positive contribution to the business success of cable TV service providers.”
Both Hitachi and PBN are standards program members of SCTE, and actively participate in the Interface Practices Subcommittee (IPS) Working Group 5 discussions relative to the RFoG standards. The Node+Zero module is compatible with the RFoG standards initiative currently underway within the SCTE standards program.
About Hitachi
Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc., a subsidiary of Hitachi Communication Technologies, Ltd., develops, manufactures and markets telecommunications equipment for the North American market. The company offers standards-compliant Fiber-to-the-Premises solutions, including GPON and RFoG systems, ultra high-speed optical networking equipment for long haul and metro applications, and multi-carrier power amplifiers for wireless infrastructure applications. For more information on Hitachi Telecom (USA), Inc., visit http://www.hitachitelecom.com.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.2 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.
About PBN
PBN is a leading supplier of fibre-based optical broadband products and solutions. PBN is well-known worldwide for its innovation and expertise in offering advanced fibre optic products that cater for customer demands and next generation bandwidth-hungry services. PBN provides comprehensive broadband distribution and access solutions to tens of millions of subscribers served by hundreds of headend facilities worldwide. PBN’s headend equipment, network management and access products are suitable for HFC, FTTx, RFoG, Ethernet and DOCSIS applications. PBN has a state-of-the-art research and development facility in Melbourne (Australia) and now in Beijing (China). PBN’s offices are in Australia, China, Europe and the Americas. PBN is also well represented by channel partners globally. For more information about the company, the people, the products and the solutions, please visit www.pbn.com.au or www.pbn.com.cn.
