StarHub plans to launch public trial soon to
allow surfing at up to 100Mbps, with commercial launch targeted for 2H 2006 
SINGAPORE - 6 JUNE 2006 - StarHub, Singapore's second largest
info-communications provider, and Motorola, Inc, (NYSE: MOT), the global
communications leader and a pioneer in developing channel-bonding solutions for
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) networks today announced that the companies will
work together to establish a DOCSIS® 3.0 Centre of Excellence for Asia which
will be based in Singapore.
The centre will be used to support deployments of channel-bonding technology
based on the proposed DOCSIS® 3.0 specification, as well as serve as a
knowledge hub to other operators in Asia that are looking to bring
ultra-broadband access capabilities into their cable networks using
channel-bonding technology.
The proposed DOCSIS® 3.0 specification, currently in development, is an open
standard that will allow cable operators to optimise their high-speed data
transmission more efficiently. Channel bonding technology enables a cable
operator to bond multiple physical network channels into a single, virtual,
high-bandwidth channel. StarHub is currently upgrading its broadband HFC cable
network to be compliant with the proposed DOCSIS® 3.0 specification, which will
provide ultra-broadband access capabilities up to 100Mbps. StarHub will be the
first operator in the world to rollout channel-bonding technology nation-wide.
StarHub plans to launch a public trial soon for its consumers to surf the
Internet at up to 100Mbps. A commercial launch is targeted for the second half
of 2006.
"The strong relationship between Motorola and StarHub is a key factor for
our on-going business expansion in Asia. Once the deployment of our
channel-bonding platform in StarHub's cable network is completed, we are
confident that Singapore will become a technology showcase for other similar
initiatives in Asia," said Dan Moloney, President, Motorola Connected Home
Solutions. "The formation of the Center of Excellence is designed to help
other operators in the region understand the challenges and benefits of the new
technology and how they can better optimise their own networks."
Motorola is a leader in contributing to the current channel-bonding
specification, which is part of the proposed DOCSIS® 3.0 standard currently in
development by CableLabs®, an initiative that StarHub strongly believes will
propel Singapore's broadband access speeds forward.
Said Thomas Ee, senior vice president of IP Services, StarHub, "StarHub
sees technology support as a critical component in ensuring that our overall
service attributes are of a high quality. As the first operator in the world to
upgrade its network with channel-bonding technology nation-wide, we believe
that our experience will be useful for the forthcoming rollout of the
technology in Asia. In addition, this planned initiative will not only help the
local broadband IT industry by boosting new skill sets for IT professionals
here, but will also elevate Singapore's role as it will become a key
contributor in the overall development of cable broadband technology in the
region."
Beyond the near term provision of up to 100Mbps broadband speeds to residential
homes in Singapore, both Motorola and StarHub are looking into enhancing the
channel-bonding platform to potentially reach up to 1Gbps within the next two
to three years.
About StarHub
StarHub is Singapore’s second largest info-communication company and the sole
operator delivering a full range of information, communications and entertainment
services over fixed, cable, mobile and Internet platforms. StarHub operates a
3G mobile network in addition to its GSM network, and is the exclusive provider
of the i-mode mobile Internet service over its 2.5G and 3G networks. StarHub
also operates its own nation-wide HFC network that delivers multi-channel cable
TV services (including Digital Cable), voice and Internet access for both
consumer and corporate markets. StarHub is listed on the SGX-ST.
Driven by a passion for listening and providing what customers want, StarHub
endeavours to bring affordable and premium quality services with innovative and
useful features to all its customers. StarHub raises the level of competition
in Singapore, challenging others as well as itself, to constantly introduce new
world-class services at competitive prices. This unwavering commitment will
further strengthen Singapore’s position as a leading info-communication hub in
the region.
Visit www.starhub.com
for all your communication needs.
Source: Motorola press release
