November 12, 2008 - The Broadband Forum, formerly the DSL Forum, has released the latest edition of its BroadbandSuite Release Plan (BroadbandSuite 3.0), providing specifications for triple-play delivered via GPON and bonded DSL over a QoS-enabled Ethernet Architecture, and remote management beyond the gateway to address video and storage devices.

BroadbandSuite 3.0 also offers full support for multicast to IPTV streaming, and is described as a response to an industry need for the ability to deliver triple-play services, including IPTV, over a variety of different access technologies. The latest edition builds on BroadbandSuite 2.0, which was released last year and provided a roadmap for triple-play access via ADSL2+ lines.

“With over 17 million IPTV subscribers around the world – two and half million in the US alone – the ability to offer triple play services is essential if a service provider is to remain successful in such a competitive market," said George Dobrowski, President and Chairman of the Broadband Forum. "However, different geographical areas and landscapes demand different access technologies. The Forum understands these demands and is working hard to establish specifications that cover the range of access technologies, from DSL to fibre, ensuring Quality of Service and Quality of Experience for all customers, wherever they are. We believe that our BroadbandSuite Release Plan, which provides a clear and concise blueprint, is the way to do this.”