LOUISVILLE, Colo.—The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and its global arm, the International Society of Broadcast Expert, have officially voted to make SCTE-ISBE a subsidiary of CableLabs. The merger will become official as of Jan. 1, 2021.

The decision to combine CableLabs and SCTE-ISBE, which has been around for more than 50 years, is to increase industry collaboration and accelerate progress toward 10G by streamlining cable technology innovation, according to CableLabs announcement.

“By formally combining our efforts and expertise, we aim to further accelerate our innovation and deployment efforts—a mutually-beneficial move for all our respective members and the global cable industry as a whole,” said Phil McKinney, president and CEO of CableLabs.

SCTE-ISBE said that it will make no cutbacks to its staff or programming as a result of the move.

For more information, visit www.cablelabs.com. 

LOUISVILLE, Colo.—Signaling another level of consolidation for the cable industry, its two biggest engineering trade groups are on the path to merging.

SCTE-ISBE and CableLabs have signed a letter of intent and appear well on the way to combining forces by Dec. 10. 

CableLabs, established in 1988, is a research and development consortium backed by the big, consolidated operator giants of the U.S. and Canadian cable industries. Its members have already voted unanimously to pursue the tie-up.

The 51-year-old Society of Cable Technology Engineers, and its European sibling, the International Society of Broadband Experts, are currently conducting a vote among the combined trade group’s membership to approve the merger. The threshold is a two-thirds vote, with at least 5% of the membership body voting. 

The SCTE-ISBE, which said no cutbacks in staff or programming was expected at either organization, has outlined its vision for the merger on this landing page. 

At the heart of the messaging is “10G,” the catch-all buzzword the cable industry has attached to its effort to develop next-generation broadband technologies capable of warding off the wireless industry’s fixed 5G threat. 

“With the commitment to 10G in mind, the transaction will represent the industry’s ongoing efforts to deliver to consumers new innovations and services which will meet changing consumer needs and support the future expansion of broadband deployment,” the trade group tells its members.

As outlined in a press conference conducted Tuesday, Nov. 10, by CableLabs, Mark Dzuban would remain president and CEO of SCTE-ISBE, which would function as a subsidiary of CableLabs, headed by president and CEO Phil McKinney.

EXTON, Pa.—The cable industry’s association training organization, SCTE-ISBE, has announced the development of a new learning management system for training options for all levels of professionals.

SCTE-ISBE’s new LMS features microlessons for learners on the go, 3D technology to simulate hands on learning and gamification, the association shares. In addition, the platform will serve as the home of the new four-part Broadband Premise Installer (BPI) series.

BPI features new content to prepare professionals for the advancing cable telecommunications industry, says SCTE-ISBE. With completion of the first three courses in the series, participants can earn the SCTE-ISBE Broadband Premise Installer certification, while the fourth course helps with the Broadband Premise Technician certification. The first three courses will be made available later in October, the fourth course later this year.

“With a more robust and modern LMS, we are able to push forward with new developments in our learning and development strategies that will prepare professionals at every level for the cable industry of today and tomorrow,” said Robin Fenton, vice president, membership and learning operations, SCTE-ISBE.

SCTE-ISBE will showcase its learning and development and workforce training offerings at the Cable-Tec Expo 2020, with a dedicated L&D track on Oct. 14 and 15. More information on the Cable-Tec Expo L&D experience online.

For more information, visit www.scte.org.

EXTON, Pa.—IBM is joining the SCTE-ISBE Explorer Initiative Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning workgroup, becoming the first member that is not part of the cable telecommunications industry, according to SCTE-ISBE.

The Explorer Initiative was founded in March of this year as an expansion of SCTE-ISBE’s standards program. The initiative brought leaders into seven new working groups to develop standards for AI and ML, smart cities, extended spectrum and more. Explorer working groups were selected for their potential to impact telecommunications infrastructure, take advantage of the benefits of cable’s 10G platform and improve society’s ability to cope with natural disasters and health crises, like COVID-19, says SCTE-ISBE.

IBM, as the new member, will collaborate with subject matter experts from across industries to develop AI and ML standards and best practices.

“Integrating advancements in AI and machine learning with the deployment of agile, open and secure software-defined networks will help usher in new innovations, many of which will transform the way we connect,” said Steve Canepa, global industry managing director, telecommunications, media and entertainment for IBM.

For more information, visit www.scte.org.  

EXTON, Pa.—Cable-Tec Expo 2020 will not be happening in Denver this October after SCTE-ISBE received notification from Colorado Gov. Jared Polis that the Colorado Convention Center, the intended location for the conference, has been designated as a temporary medical facility for the remainder of the year.

In a statement from SCTE-ISBE leadership, they say they are assessing and giving consideration to alternative arrangements, but what that may be is unclear at this time.

“Rest assured, SCTE-ISBE remains committed to supporting our members as the industry and the world grapples with COVID-19 and will honor eligible requests for refunds,” the statement reads.

Back in April, SCTE-ISBE announced that its plans for holding the conference in Denver in October were proceeding, with caution.

SCTE-ISBE said that they had received a record number of responses for its Call for Papers for this year’s conference.

The organization intends to share additional information as they determine plans in the coming days and weeks.

SCTE-ISBE is yet another major industry conference that has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. NAB Show 2020 cancelled its physical show in Las Vegas and replaced it with a virtual platform; IBC 2020 has also been cancelled.

EXTON, Pa.—The 2020 Women in Technology Award, which is jointly presented by Women in Cable Telecommunications, SCTE-ISBE and Cablefax, is now accepting nominations for its 25th anniversary edition.

The Women in Technology Award acknowledges the achievements of an outstanding woman in technology who has demonstrated personal and professional growth, and has contributed to the advancement of the cable telecommunications industry. The group says that the award is meant to shine a spotlight on the achievements of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry sector.

To qualify for the Women in Technology Award, a nominee must be in a technical position in the cable of telecommunications industry and must be a member of WICT and SCTE-ISBE. Additional criteria is specified in the nomination application.

The deadline to submit a nomination is June 19.

Past recipients of the Women in Technology Award include last year’s winner, Zenita Henderson of SCTE-ISBE. Others include Noopur Davis, Theresa Hennesy, Sherita Ceasar, Jennifer Yohe Wagner, Leslie Ellis, Cyndee Everman, Vicki Marts, Yvette Kanouff and more.

The 2020 Women in Technology Award is scheduled to be presented during the SCTE-ISBE Annual Awards Luncheon on Oct. 15 during the 2020 SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo.

For more information on the nominating process, visit www.wict.org.  

EXTON, Pa.—The Cable-Tec Expo 2020 intends to go on as planned in October, according to a statement from SCTE-ISBE President and CEO Mark Dzuban.

SCTE’s Cable-Tec Expo, a telecommunications and technology event, is scheduled for Oct. 13-16 in Denver. As Dzuban shared, the program committee is moving ahead with plans for the show, including reviewing Fall Technical Forum abstracts that are due May 8. A large portion of the expo’s program is expected to be on the lessons of the coronavirus crisis.

Cable-Tec Expo coincides with two other events: the Cable TV Pioneers Annual Dinner and CableLabs’ Envision event. Looking at both events’ websites, they show no indication that they will not go on as planned either.

Other major industry conferences, both in the U.S. and internationally, previously announced cancellations or postponements because of the coronavirus. This past week would have been the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas, which will now take form in the NAB Show Express virtual experience in May.

“Our goal in the 25 weeks between now and mid-October is to ensure that all of this takes place in an atmosphere that is safe for all involved,” Dzuban said.

“We understand that there are uncertainties ahead,” Dzuban continued. “We are following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control, are in constant contact with Denver and Colorado authorities and are taking extra precautions together with the Colorado Convention Center and our hotel partners. The bottom line is this: we will do nothing that will jeopardize the safety of our guests.”

Dzuban did acknowledge that making plans for the Cable-Tec Expo at this point can be difficult with the current climate, but he said that they will keep attendees updated throughout the months ahead.

For more information, visit the Cable-Tec Expo 2020 website. 

NEW ORLEANS—The promise of 10G, as well as other technological innovations and key policy issues were among the main topics of discussion during the four days that SCTE-ISBE’s Cable-Tec Expo 2019 took place in New Orleans this past week.

Using the theme “Raising the Bar,” the Cable-Tec Expo sought to present deep dives to its attendees from the cable and telecom industries in key areas of technology, policy and use cases.

To discuss 10G, as well as other cable technologies, Cable-Tec brought in speakers that included Dean Kamen, Preetha Vijayakumar of FedEx and author and TV host David Pogue.

NCTA President and CEO Michael Powell has one of the industry leaders on hand to provide insights into legislative and regulatory developments. Powell also gave a session on the recent decision by the courts on net neutrality.

In addition, areas of focus included the first public prototype of a Generic Access Platform node that can simplify network operations for cable system operators; cable’s role in smart cities; IoT and wireless deployments; and an educational and thought leadership program that featured speakers and workshops that occurred pre- and post-conference.

Dates were also announced for the 2020 edition of the Cable-Tec Expo, which will move to Denver and take place Oct. 13-15, 2020. Ed Marchetti, senior vice president of operations for Comcast, and Tom Monaghan, senior vice president of field operations at Charter Communications, will be 2020’s program committee co-chairs.

NEW ORLEANS—The board for the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and the International Society of Broadband Experts has elected its officers for the 2019 - 2020 term, with Tom Adams, executive vice president, field operations, for Charter Communications, being elected as the board’s chairman. The elections were conducted during a meeting in conjunction with the SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo 2019.

Adams most recently served as the SCTE-ISBE board’s vice chairman. He also is on the SCTE-ISBE Learning & Development Committee and is co-chair of the Cable-Tec Expo Program Committee.

In addition to Adams, the board’s executive committee will be rounded out by Kevin Hart, executive vice president and chief product and technology officer for Cox Communications, as vice chairman. Meena Soleiman, vice president, finance and business operations, for Comcast and Steve Williams, vice president, DOCSIS Network Operations, at Charter, will remain in their board positions of treasurer and secretary, respectively. Bill Warga, vice president of technology at Liberty Global will now serve as past chair after being the board chair for the last two years.

“The guidance and support we’ve received from Bill Warga and Tom Adams over the past two years has been instrumental in positioning SCTE-ISBE and Cable-Tec Expo for the 10G future,” said Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE-ISBE. “We’re incredibly grateful to Bill for his help, and look forward to his continued insights as we work with Tom, Kevin and the rest of the board to build our portfolio of educational, standards and innovation resources for the benefit of the industry.”

EXTON, Pa.—One of the headline speakers at this year’s SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo will be Emmy Award-winning television host, New York Times columnist and technology expert David Pogue. Pogue, who will speak during the Cable-Tec Expo Annual Awards Luncheon, is slated to talk about how new technologies, including those dealing with cable telecommunications, are impacting how people live.

Pogue is well known for covering and giving tech reviews through his column and TV reports on “CBS Sunday Morning” and “Nova.” He is a best-selling “how to” author, writing more than 100 books and selling more than three million print copies.

“With his unique blend of subject matter expertise and personality, David Pogue has guided consumers through one of the most transformational technology periods in history,” said Mark Dzuban, president and CEO of SCTE-ISBE. “As our industry accelerates toward the goal of 10G services, we can all benefit greatly from David’s insights into technology disruption and the benefits for our customers.”

The Cable-Tec Expo Annual Awards Luncheon will take place on Oct. 2 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. The 2019 SCTE-ISBE Cable-Tec Expo will run from Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in New Orleans.

For more information on the expo, visit expo.scte.org.

EXTON, Pa.—The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and its global arm, the International Society of Broadband Experts (ISBE) today announced new partnerships to expand training opportunities in Carrier Ethernet and fiber optic structured cabling.

SCTE-ISBE will offer Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) Carrier Ethernet Certified Professional (CE-CP) 2.0 in partnership with Tech 2000. MEF is an international industry consortium focused on adoption of Carrier Ethernet networks and services.

The MEF CE-CP 2.0 course is a 12-module online class offering a well-rounded look at Carrier Ethernet technologies, standards, services and applications.

The societies are also partnering with Wirewerks, which develops and manufactures optical fiber and copper structured cabling systems, on Fiber Structured Cabling training for broadband fiber installers, SCTE-ISBE said. The course is available in the Caribbean and Latin American region through TVC and Wirewerks.

“By partnering with Tech 2000 and Wirewerks, we are accelerating the availability of training that drives workforce expertise and contributes to operators’ bottom lines,” said Steve Harris, executive director, Technical Sales, Learning & Development for SCTE-ISBE.

Both courses are available online or as blended training boot camps. They are designed to prepare students for certification examinations.

More information is available on the SCTE-ISBE website.

EXTON, Pa.—Cox, Comcast and ARRIS executives are among the cable telecommunications experts scheduled to discuss new technologies and their impact at the 2019 SCTE-ISBE Leadership Institute, March 11-14, at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business, the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and International Society of Broadband Experts announced today.

Subject matter experts will discuss wireless services, consumer premises equipment, network security needs and trends, and how the pace of development of new technologies impact cable telecommunications, SCTE-ISBE said.

Brad Boucher, executive director of security threat and risk management, at Cox Communications; Charles Cheevers, CTO, CPE at ARRIS; and Drew Davis, executive director, wireless technology, at Cox Communications will participate in a March 12 panel on wireless, CPE and network security.

On March 14, Comcast executives will participate on panels to discuss new technology lifecycle. They include Thomas Carroll, VP, advanced engineering; Paul Navin, division VP of technical operations; and Aaron Weimer, VP, engineering and XOC. They will be joined by Derek DiGiacomo, senior director, energy programs and business continuity at SCTE-ISBE.

The event will open March 11 with a discussion of cable technology trends by SCTE-ISBE SVP, engineering and CTO Chris Bastian.

Among the topics expected to be discussed during the event are:

• Strategic Thinking and Disruptions
• Justifying Technology Investments
• Analyzing Financial Statements for Business Decisions
• Managing Change in Technology Implementations
• Leading and Managing High Performing Teams
• Effectively Communications Complex Ideas
• Managing Projects: What is the Worry Curve and Why Should I Shift It?

More information about the event is available online.