26 August 2003 Horsham, PA and Andover, MA Lightwave -- Motorola Broadband Communications Sector and Quantum Bridge Communications, a developer of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) equipment, announced a major commitment for the companies' joint fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) solution. Internet service provider and independent cable TV operator QCOL has selected the two companies to provide an FTTP network that will serve voice, video, and data to homes in portions of Fayette County, PA; Garrett County, MD; and Preston County, WV. QCOL currently offers dial-up, cable modem, wireless, and leased line Internet access to businesses and residences throughout the tri-state region.
This announcement follows Motorola's and Quantum Bridge's June 3 announcement of their plans to team together to provide a FTTH solution.
"After spending a great amount of time comparing FTTP solutions, it was obvious to us that Quantum Bridge/Motorola deliver the best solution in the industry," said Mike Diehl, QCOL president. "QCOL has been using fiber-optic technology throughout the backend of our network for years -- and extending fiber optics to the customer premises completes QCOL's 'Fiber all the Way' initiative. Fiber-to-the-premises is the clear choice in serving our residential customers with the latest in video and data, as well as in voice. And when it came to the Quantum Bridge/Motorola solution, we liked the economics of the full ATM switching features of the OLT [optical line terminal], the power of the integrated video return path, and the fact that they are compliant with the international APON [ATM passive optical networking] standards," Diehl explained.
QCOL (Addison, PA) established in 1998, builds and operates a high capacity fiber-optic network spanning three states - Pennsylvania, Maryland and West Virginia. Initially, QCOL was an acronym for 'Quad County On-Line' but the service area quickly expanded well beyond its original scope. Through its diverse service offerings, acquisitions, network expansion, QCOL has realized growth each year of operation. QCOL has consistently offered the latest technologies in a rural region that would typically be the last to experience such services.