BellSouth keeping entertainment options open

LAS VEGAS—Despite a history of trying virtually every technology to deliver entertainment services to subscribers, BellSouth still isn’t convinced there is a single solution, according to Bill Smith, chief technology officer for the Bell company.

Taking on a more prominent role than ever at the U.S. Telecom Association show here this week, Smith said BellSouth is counting on its fiber network to play a role in video and entertainment delivery, but that it wasn’t the only option.

"We’re probably the biggest fiber zealots on the planet, but we’re also realists," he said.

Despite some backing off of the big Bell fiber-to-the-premises RFP by SBC Communications and Verizon, BellSouth has remained committed to the process. One of the driving forces behind the RFP is the ability to provide entertainment services in competition with cable operators. However, BellSouth recently signed an agreement with DirecTV to resell the company’s service and will continue exploring various technologies.

"What I want is to be able to provide a service suite to my customers, but I want to mask the technology," Smith said.

One potential option that has vendors talking on the show floor here is combining a satellite set-top box with a DSL connection that would allow the carrier to send video over the air and data such as programming guides and interactive applications over its wired infrastructure.

"You couple those two and I can do anything the cable guys can," Smith said.