Whether by itself or in a set-top, cable modem technology has landed. Different approaches to deployment are evolving along with the technology, as the broadband industry embraces the high-speed network dream. Other deployments are taking place through consumer installation. Modems may be obtained from the operator or a retailer. Cablevision, for example, has a deal in New York and Connecticut to market Terapro modems and installation kits through The Wiz, a consumer electronics chain.
Customers pick up the modems and installation instructions at a designated location.
There, the operator offers tiered services to commercial and residential subscribers. It's a sign that the technology is moving more mainstream. Subscribers in several systems are now using set-tops that began with Time Warner's Pegasus program several years ago. S-A reports that it has received purchase orders or commitments for its interactive digital network from 14 cable operators in the United States and Canada, representing 75 systems with 16 million cable subscribers. Operators include Time Warner, Cox, TCI, Comcast, Adelphia, Marcus, Rogers and Videotron.