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Free Puts Cisco Carrier Routing System at Core of HD IPTV Delivery Over Its IP Next-Generation Network
| Source: Cisco Systems, Inc.
PARIS -- (MARKET WIRE) -- December 3, 2006 -- ITU Telecom World -- Cisco (NASDAQ : CSCO ) today
announced that Free, the leading triple-play over broadband operator in
Europe, has chosen the industry-leading Cisco CRS-1 Carrier Routing System,
the core component of the Cisco IP Next-Generation Network (IP NGN)
architecture, for a major network transformation to deliver IPTV, "any
play" and ultra-high-speed broadband services to customers throughout
France.
Michaël Boukobza, chief executive officer of Free's parent company, Iliad,
said: "The success of our business comes from our ability to be a leader
with each new wave of consumer services that technology makes possible.
With the Cisco IP NGN, we are not only able to deliver our next wave of
high-definition IPTV services, but we're also building the future
foundations to support even higher traffic volumes as we push the
boundaries with 'virtually limitless' bandwidth through our new fiber
network."
The Cisco CRS-1 16-slot system, configured to provide 1.2 terabits per
second (Tbps) of throughput capacity, has been deployed successfully at the
core of Free's network to support the significant growth in Internet
traffic from the recent introduction of advanced services such as HD IPTV
and video-on-demand. The network transformation project is designed for
future growth as Free plans to extend its reach and significantly increase
bandwidth with the growth in the number of users and with the roll out of
optical fiber networks using fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. Free
currently has today more than 2 million broadband subscribers and 1,260,000
TV-enabled users (as of June 30, 2006).
Tony Bates, senior vice president and general manager of the Service
Provider Routing Technology Group at Cisco, said: "Free continues to
impress the industry with its financial performance and record subscriber
growth. With the ability to upgrade and upscale the CRS-1 Carrier Routing
System without disruption to service, Free can maintain its excellent
reputation for quality of experience while continuing to bring on new
customers and new services."
About Free
Free is a subsidiary of Iliad. The Iliad Group is a major player in the
Internet and telecommunications markets in France through its subsidiaries
Free (the leading alternative broadband operator with 2,076,000 broadband
subscribers as at 30/09/2006), Onetel and Iliad Telecom (fixed telephony
operators) and Kertel (prepaid phone cards), as well as IFW (WiMax). The
Iliad Group was established in 1991 and currently has more than 1,500
employees. The Iliad Group is listed on the Euronext Paris Eurolist under
the mnemonic code ILD.
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