Vertical Systems Group’s latest business Ethernet services leaderboard features two MSOs, Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable, on its list of top providers based on ports installed last year.
Cox ranks fourth overall, while Time Warner Cable landed in seventh place on the latest leaderboard survey for business Ethernet services. AT&T and Verizon hold down the top-two spots, respectively, followed by tw Telecom in third and Qwest in fifth.
The service providers that made the list each hold 4 percent or more of the U.S. market based on retail port installations as of the end of last year.
In general, Vertical Systems said the competitive environment for business Ethernet services is heating up in response to expanding market demand.
“Business Ethernet is not a mass-market offering in the U.S. yet. However, in 2009 we watched Ethernet emerge as the most significant strategic product in service providers’ data portfolios. With upward demand from enterprise customers for higher access speeds, service providers are being challenged to increase network capacity and decrease installation cycle times,” said Rick Malone, principal at Vertical Systems Group. “AT&T heads our leaderboard for the second year in a row by increasing its business Ethernet base more rapidly than the overall market.”
Other results of Vertical Systems’ recent analysis include:
- More than 70 companies delivered Business Ethernet services in the U.S. during 2009, including incumbent carriers, competitive providers and cable MSOs.
- Only three of the 2009 leaderboard providers increased their port share compared with the prior year.
- During the second half of 2009, competitive providers and cable MSOs gained share from incumbent carriers.
- Other providers delivering business Ethernet services in the U.S. market included AboveNet, Alpheus, Bright House Networks, CenturyLink, Charter Business, Cincinnati Bell, Comcast Business, Expedient, Global Crossing, Masergy, Optimum Lightpath, Orange, RCN and Reliance Globalcom.
