Telephone and Cable Television: The Main Drivers

Abstract

Telephone and cable television (Community Antenna Television Service: CATV) are merging along with respective technologies in voice, data and video (see Figure 2.1). Through the integration of separate networks and products, a single integrated multimedia network (the Information Superhighway) is being developed. Information Superhighway services are now available in many homes and businesses wired for both telephone and cable television. Consumers will choose between the cable or telephone company for integrated cable and telephone services. Instead of receiving cable television from the CATV company and telephone from the telephone company, both are provided by each company. The combination of both existing and planned facilities is the foundation of the National Information Infrastructure (Nil), the technological infrastructure for new services.