Telefonica chooses powerline technology

Telefonica will use broadband power line technology to distribute its IPTV signal within the home, the company’s supplier, Corinex, announced today. Telefonia is in the process of building a national Ethernet network to serve both business and residential customers. The company will be using Corinex 200 Mbps AV Powerline technology to connect IPTV set-top boxes within the home to the video signal being delivered via ADSL 2+.

Telefonica is offering its Imagenio video service, including 50 channels of broadcast and cable TV, plus video on demand that includes exclusive landline rights to the soccer games that are a European favorite. The company has deployed more than 100,000 IPTV ports of Lucent Technologies’ Stinger DSL broadband access concentrator. In June, the company said it had 40,000 Triple Play customers.

Using the powerline technology enables Telefonica to turn up multiple TVs within a home with drilling holes and rewiring, Corinex officials said.

“Corinex is currently in tests and field trials with 17 carriers worldwide for IP TV deployment. Passing Telefonica's rigourous testing procedures and field trials is a strong validation of the strength and fit of our 200Mbps Powerline and Coaxial AV product line,” said Peter Sobotka, Corinex's CEO, in a prepared statement. “Corinex is proud to be chosen by Telefonica, a clear leader in offering IP TV services. Our distributor and partner Elmeg Spain, brought local support and experience that was key in achieving this deal.”