Cable Broadband Forum Teams With Cablelabs to Announce Retail Availability of 'Cablelabs Certified' Cable Modems.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 4, 1999--

Voice of Cable Broadband Industry Interprets Criteria

Surrounding Cable Modem Certification;

Consumers Gain Options As Cable Modems

Are Soon To Reach Retail Outlets 

In conjunction with the Cable Broadband Forum (CBF), the `voice' of the cable broadband industry, Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs) today announces the results of the certification process designed to provide an "interoperability seal" for cable modem equipment suppliers. This announcement marks the official introduction of the CableLabs(R) Certified(tm) program for cable modems, which will ensure that certified cable modems will work with all high-speed Internet access and cable services. For consumers wishing to capitalize on one of the fastest and most reliable network infrastructures for multimedia-rich Internet content, the "CableLabs Certified" program, previously recognized as MCNS or DOCSIS certification, provides the insurance needed for the retail distribution of cable modems to consumer electronic and computer retailers nationally.

CABLE MODEM CERTIFICATION GIVES CONSUMERS THE CHOICE

One of the most critical points relating to cable modem certification is the flexibility and choice that is now placed into the hands of consumers. The cable broadband industry has been working to gain this freedom so that service providers do not exclusively define the use of cable-based Internet access. The first issuance of cable-based, high-speed Internet services were available using leased cable modems from cable service providers. Today, consumers will know that the certification program ushers in a new era of flexibility in that modem technologies obtaining certification are interoperable with all cable services. The "CableLabs Certified" logo ensures that `off-the-shelf' purchased modems will work with the service provided in a specific region. Additionally, certified cable modem owners can move around the country and still use their cable modem where cable-based, high-speed Internet services are provided.

The currently installed subscriber base of cable modems is not at risk of losing interoperability. In fact, current cable modem users will not be affected in any way -- unless users wish to purchase another modem through retail. The "CableLabs Certified" logo will then ensure complete compatibility and interoperability with all cable-based, high-speed Internet services. In addition to providing high-speed Internet and data access, cable modems are "always connected" -- although no per-minute connection charges apply. Unlike traditional dial-up modems, cable modems do not require re-dialing to a service provider. Additionally, cable modem users no longer have to fight with their teens or spouses for phone line privileges as with cable modems, the telephone line is free to be used and no longer shared. Also of note is that the forthcoming certified modems will also work in cable systems with existing, proprietary modems used by the currently installed subscriber base of cable modem users.

To keep consumers abreast of further high-speed Internet service deployment as well as certified modems available, the CBF will post updates via its Web site which is located at http://www.cablebroadbandfourm.com.

THE CERTIFICATION AND WHAT IT MEANS

Announced as an initiative in November 1997, CableLabs' Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) certification program, now recognized as "CableLabs Certified," was established as a formal path for cable modem equipment suppliers to gain an "interoperability seal" for high-speed data delivery devices based on the MCNS/DOCSIS specification. This certification program defines interface requirements for cable modems involved in high-speed data distribution over a cable television network. The "CableLabs Certified" seal ensures that consumers have the flexibility of owning their own modem and purchasing one of their choice, rather than use those leased by their cable service provider. Additionally, consumers now have an assurance seal that the modem they choose interoperates with other "CableLabs Certified" products made by other vendors.

"Within the last 15 months, the entire cable broadband industry has been focusing on the retail certification process," said Dr. Richard R. Green, president and CEO of CableLabs. "With the assistance of the Cable Broadband Forum, we will disseminate the news of this certification program and will work closely to ensure that as more modem vendors' products are certified, more information is made available. At this point, we are well ahead of alternative high-speed technologies in both customer base and standards options. This retail certification will clearly catapult the success of cable broadband use."

CableLabs will provide suppliers with the conformance checklist, the system test suite, and opportunities for the suppliers to bring their DOCSIS products together under an open, interoperability-testing environment An example of this testing atmosphere includes industry trade shows or focused cable industry events.

"The certification program for cable modems assures interoperability, which is of critical importance to the growth of the industry," said Tom Cullen, CBF Chairperson and vice president, Internet Services, MediaOne. "Consumers will soon be able to purchase the cable modem of their choice through retail outlets and it will be guaranteed that the modems will operate with all available broadband services in their area."

Looking ahead to the future, consumers can expect that cable modems will come standard in the next generation PC -- which literally creates a "Plug and Play" environment. The first wave of certified modems will be available in selected retail outlets soon. In addition to being able to buy modems, consumers will also still be able to lease them from local cable operators. Also on the horizon is the inclusion of cable modems within the next generation PCs.

ABOUT CABLELABS

CableLabs is a research and development consortium of cable television system operators representing the continents of North America and South America. CableLabs plans and funds research and development projects that will help cable companies take advantage of future opportunities and meet future challenges in the cable television industry. In addition, CableLabs acts as a clearinghouse to provide information on current and prospective technological developments that are of interest to the cable industry. CableLabs maintains its main web site at http://www.cablelabs.com.

ABOUT THE CABLE BROADBAND FORUM (CBF)

The Cable Broadband Forum (CBF) is a non-profit industry consortium which acts as the voice of the broadband marketplace. The Consortium was established to articulate the power of a network capable of delivering information and entertainment to consumers up to 100 times faster than standard phone lines. The CBF boasts a membership of dozens of leading players from the cable, consumer electronics and high technology arenas including TCI/AT&T, Time Warner, MediaOne, Intel, Cisco and Motorola. Membership is available to any company with a mission to foster increased adoption of cable-based high-speed broadband information access to the home or office. Learn more about cable broadband technology by visiting the Cable Broadband Forum's Web site at http://www.cablebroadbandforum.com.

Requests regarding CBF membership should be directed to CBF Secretary/Treasurer Tim Segard at 303-705-7678 or [e-mail]. Editorial inquiries should be directed to Wendy Bulawa, McGrath/Power Public Relations (Boston) 617-227-3760 or [e-mail].