Cable One Inc. is using wireless gear from Arcwave Inc. to offer high-speed data services to small-and medium-sized businesses that are unreachable by traditional coax.
Cable One, a top 10 U.S. MSO, is deploying the vendor’s ARCXtend to wirelessly extend DOCSIS signals to business customers in 17 states. Arcwave marks the first wireless extension vendor approved by the MSO for use in all systems.
Arcwave estimates that 50 percent of the SMB sector is not serviceable by cable because of zoning restrictions, “right of way” challenges” and the expense of installing fiber or coax in commercial areas.
James Hannan, Cable One’s vice president of engineering, estimated the MSO could get a return on the investment in Arcwave gear within 12 months of deployment.
Arcwave is one of a growing number of vendors that enable operators to extend their cable plant wirelessly. Others in the sector include Nortel Networks, Presto Communications, VCom Inc., and Wireless Bypass, among others.