According to CableLabs, it and several of its member cable operating companies worked with different software firms to produce the OCAP specifications. The specification guides cable companies on how to merge the World Wide Web with cable's broadband pipes to create an interactive TV delivery mechanism that provides enhanced services to cable customers. According to CableLabs, some companies have announced that the middleware will be available by summer 2001. This partnership aims to help network operators and content providers to quickly develop and deploy entertainment, news and educational services. Videotron will deploy PowerTV's SofaMAIL e-mail service to its 1.6 million subscribers.
Subscribers can also view digital photos that are attached to their messages.
Videotron hopes to make it easy for subscribers who have never used a computer to easily join the online community without being intimidated by new and pricey equipment. The cable company is offering the SofaMAIL service free with the purchase of digital TV and the infrared keyboard. 2NetFX develops media streaming technology and Avolo provides aviation parts and aerospace applications. With an eye on offering passengers more than coffee or tea, the two companies have developed high-definition television technology for viewing entertainment at 33,000 feet. Islanders get broadband network Broadband data communications provider Teleste and RiverDelta have finished their joint project to create a multi-service digital broadband network for Isle of Wight Cable and Telephone.