COMPETE!
The Cisco / MetaSwitch IP-Enabled Services
Solution for Cable Operators
An Executive Brief by Cisco Systems, Inc. and MetaSwitch
July 2006
Cisco Systems, Inc. / MetaSwitch COMPETE! Solution Executive Brief
Executive Summary
Cable operators face many challenges as consumers and business customers demand an
ever-richer set of services from their communication providers. This paper outlines a
joint solution from leading vendors Cisco Systems, Inc. and MetaSwitch, that enables
MSOs to fully integrate video, voice and data services over their HFC infrastructure. By
combining triple play with converged cellular services, cable operators can provide a
one-stop package to fend off competitive threats while expanding into new markets. The
entire solution is backed up by both vendors’ unrivaled experience designing,
implementing and supporting successful cable, IP and voice networks.
The Challenges – and Opportunities – Facing Cable Operators
HFC-based access networks gave cable operators considerable advantages over legacy
telcos and ISPs during the past decade. By coupling this plant with DOCSIS, the MSOs
were able to attract and retain high percentages of homes passed to TV and data services.
However technology change in the form of DSL, FTTx, satellite and IPTV have all
eroded that advantage and led to increasing customer churn. Cable operators must adopt
strategies to increase customer loyalty and build a stronger revenue base. Many
customers are tiring of having multiple bills dropping through their mailbox every month.
They would love the simplification of a truly converged service for all their multimedia
communication needs. Cable operators need a way to deliver this quickly, cost-
effectively, and with market-leading features.
To further grow their revenue base, many cable operators are also looking at the
incremental opportunities offered by the small to medium enterprise market. With a
comprehensive communications package designed for business