Evolution of a mature cable TV network

The research summarized in this paper is part of a work undertaken for the RACE (Research into Advanced Communications for Europe) program project 1044. It investigates the prospects for upgrading existing cable TV networks to an infrastructure capable of providing jointly cable TV and telecoms services. This is a topical issue as services are now being developed which blur the distinction between cable TV and telecoms services, and in some countries the broadcasting and telecommunications industries are coming closer together. Technological development is leading regulation in the sense that, while in technological terms broadcasting and telecommunications services are approaching each other, in many countries the regulation of the two industries is still staunchly separate. However, in the Netherlands and Belgium there are signs that this situation is changing and the European Commission may also facilitate the provision of some telecoms services over cable TV networks through its Open Network Provision program.