Ethernet a cable bright spot

Strauss believes Optimum Lightpath’s approach to packaging and pricing Ethernet, and its introduction this year of new voice and video offerings, have led to the rapid 2007 growth.

“We have taken a simplified approach to this pricing and packaging that users like,” he said. “The combination of data and voice together with video as well, these bundled packages and flat-rate pricing with no additional charges is unique. That form of pricing has worked quite well.”

In 2007, Optimum Lightpath introduced two major new offerings, a managed voice-over-Ethernet service and a broadcast video transport service. Strauss said the company will offer extensions of those services in 2008 and expects strong growth to continue.

“We made the strategic decision that we would only offer Ethernet services to new customers,” he said. “That seemed to be maybe an innovative decision two and a half years ago. It appears the industry is endorsing that decision. There has been strong and solid growth, but as business gets bigger, it is not likely one can sustain doubling. There will be healthy growth --- 30% a year seems to be the number I’m seeing. This year, we will see new video offerings and further expansion for voice as well. There is more on the horizon. We are optimistic.”