SBC Adds 105K DISH Subs, Promotes Fiber

[Gregg Lengling]

SBC Communications said that for the third quarter it netted 105,000 SBC/DISH Network subscribers, reaching 226,000 for the service it launched with EchoStar in March this year.

While the numbers are good news for SBC and EchoStar, the regional phone giant kept touting its plans to roll out fiber services for its customers. SBC said plans are on track for deployment of its advanced, IP-based network that will deliver next-generation, integrated all-digital TV, high-speed broadband and IP voice services.

SBC said it has trials under way and expects to begin deployment of the service in 2005. The company also said it plans to host a conference call Nov. 11 to provide additional detail on its "Project Lightspeed" deployment plans.

Meanwhile, Verizon on Thursday announced plans to deploy fiber-to-the-premises technology to homes and businesses in Virginia as well as parts of Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania. The effort brings to nine the number of states where Verizon fiber work is under way, with California, Florida and Texas part the company's plan to pass 1 million homes and businesses with the technology this year and 2 million next year.