SureWest rolls BigBand switched digital video gear in Kansas City

Cable overbuilder SureWest Communications (Nasdaq: SURW) said it has rolled out switched digital video gear form BigBand Networks (Nasdaq: BBND) in Kansas City, allowing it to launch 50 new HDTV channels.

SureWest's move to reclaim analog bandwidth will help it compete in Kansas City against incumbent cable provider Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC). And with Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) constructing a 1 Gbps network as part of a pilot project in Kansas City, its switched digital upgrade will help keep SureWest's offering more relevant.

Redwood City, Calif.-based BigBand said the deployment of its SDV technology helps operators such a SureWest add more QAM channels and increase the amount of bandwidth that can be used to deliver on-demand applications.

For more:
- see the news release

Related articles:
Time Warner Cable New York using SDV to handle 150 HD channels
Google more likely to partner than compete with cable operators
BigBand app powers targeted ads to set-tops, IP devices
Innovation Showcase: BigBand Networks