Philips Broadband Networks of Manlius, NY, will supply a fiber-optic backbone to support Distance

Philips Broadband Networks of Manlius, NY, will supply a fiber-optic backbone to support Distance Learning Television, an educational partnership formed between Century Communications in Ukiah, CA, and Mendocino College. Century Communications` Mendocino County, CA, systems are designing the link between the college and the main headend facility in Ukiah in an effort to increase the volume of educational programming. On a larger scale, Comcast Corp. in Ontario, CA, has signed a contract with Philips Broadband Networks to purchase a complete range of hybrid fiber/coaxial-cable transport systems for an upgrade of its Ontario system, which lies in San Bernardino County. Comcast will incorporate Philips`s latest fiber-optic systems, including Diamond Transport transmitters and Diamond Marquise optical node amplifiers, as well as RF amplifiers, taps, and passives, in a 1950-mi upgrade to take place over 39 months. The Ontario and San Bernardino systems service approximately 95,000 cable customers and will be upgraded to 750 MHz, with analog services transmitted at 550 MHz and digital services transmitted at speeds of 550 to 750 MHz.