Altice taps Cisco for DOCSIS 3.1 and CCAP upgrade

Cisco has struck a deal with Altice to provide its DOCSIS 3.1-enabled CCAP cable access platform across its cable properties internationally, with the first rollout scheduled for Numericable-SFR in France. 

The upgrading of Numericable-SFR’s network to DOCSIS 3.1 will enable it to offer services of up to 10Gbps across its fibre-to-the-last-amplifier footprint.

“This step is part of our long-term investment strategy. We are building the next generation of fixed mobile converged networks. With a combination of Cisco’s Evolved CCAP, DOCSIS 3.1 and migration to NFV/SDN, Altice will continue providing the best customer experience, based on the highest bandwidth and cutting edge technology,” said Max Blumberg, chief technology officer, Altice Group.

“Cisco is working closely with Altice to provide them with a CCAP platform offering D3.0 plus D3.1 designed for long-term investment protection and full spectrum video, to simplify the evolution of their cable access network. With this premier technology, they can cost-effectively deliver multi-gigabit services with massive bandwidth and rapid time to market,” said Brett Wingo, vice-president and general manager, cable access business unit, Cisco.

In January, Cisco struck a deal with Vodafone-owned German operator Kabel Deutschland to provide an advanced cloud-based TV platform for the operator.

Separately, Vodafone has held early talks about buying Altice-owned Portuguese cable operator Cabovisão, according to the Financial Times.

The EC earlier this week cleared Altice’s acquisition of Portugal Telecom after Altice agreed to sell Cabovisão and business telecoms outfit ONI.

According to the FT report, a number of other buyers have also expressed an interest in the cable operator.

In other Altice news, the the Israel Ministry of Communication has authorized an agreement between Altice’s subsidiary Hot Mobile – the mobile arm of cable operator Hot – and Partner Communication Ltd, the second mobile player in Israel, which operates under the Orange brand, whereby Hot Mobile and Partner Communication will be able to merge their 3G/4G radio networks and deploy network sharing technology, delivering greater coverage and quality of service, according to Altice.