Smallworld plans super-fast net for Scotland

Cable operator Smallworld Media is to deploy DOCSIS 3.0 technology to parts of its cable network in Scotland, allowing it to supply super-fast broadband connections.

The company announced the move today in a joint statement with Motorola, which is providing headend equipment.

The EuroDOCSIS 3.0 transmission standard, an adjusted version of DOCSIS 3.0, employs virtual bonding of channels to give downstream speeds of up to 200Mbps.

Motorola's Cable Modem Termination Systems provide for DOCSIS 3.0 services to be carried alongside the existing EuroDOCSIS 1.x and 2.0 operations.

Smallworld chief executive David Durnford said it would be providing "a true next-generation broadband platform... while protecting existing investments in currently deployed EuroDOCSIS solutions". The firm's network also extends into the the north east of England but it said deployment would begin in Scotland.

Joe Cozzolino, general manager of Motorola EMEA, said providers were increasingly looking to "ultra high-speed broadband" services because of "growing demand for personalised media experiences, driven by internet-based content delivery and Web 2.0 applications".

Virgin Media has trialled the use of DOCSIS 3.0 in Kent to provide 50Mbps internet connections and a linear high definition TV channel. In recent statements the company has a UK-wide rollout will be completed in early 2009.