Mediacom Communications and Telus both announced today that they’re deploying Nortel’s 40G optical technology in their respective footprints.

Mediacom, the nation’s seventh-largest cable operator, will build a new network across Chicago, Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., to deliver telephone, high-speed Internet and TV services, including bandwidth-intensive applications such as HDTV and VOD.

Nortel’s Optical Multiservice Edge 6500

With HD video using between five to nine times more bandwidth than standard digital video, Mediacom said Nortel’s 40G platform will provide the additional capacity that’s needed to deliver advanced services.

“Nortel's 40G solution ensures we'll have the capability to keep delivering even as demand continues to grow and drive up our bandwidth needs," said JR Walden, senior vice president of technology at Mediacom . "With four times the capacity of a 10G solution and a cost-effective deployment scenario, Nortel's 40G solution demonstrates our continued commitment to bringing the latest technology to the communities we serve."

With Nortel’s 40G platform, Mediacom said it reduced the number of amplifier sites required along the 470-mile route from Chicago to Omaha, which simplified and reduced the overall cost of the network expansion.

The Mediacom solution consists of the Optical Multiservice Edge 6500, equipped with 40G optics, and the Common Photonic Layer line system, which enable the migration to a more agile, adaptive, all-optical network. Nortel is also providing engineering, installation, test and turn-up services for Mediacom.

Telus will use Nortel’s 40G optical technology to add capacity to its existing fiber-optic network, according to Dave Keegstra, director of technology strategy for Telus.

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