In an effort to deploy interoperable data equipment for cable TV networks and to help develop a technical standard for delivering data to homes via cable TV lines, Motorola said its CyberSurfr cable modem protocol is now open and available for royalty-free cross-licensing by companies wanting to make products that "talk" to CyberSurfr modems.

A company spokesperson told Newsbytes that Motorola has contacted CableLabs and MCNS, both of which help cable TV companies like Time Warner and Tele-Communications Inc. (TCI) with technology research and standards, about the free licenses.

Motorola designed the program to "jump-start" the move toward standards for the cable industry, officials said -- specifically for the development and manufacturing of cable modems and head end infrastructure equipment that will be compatible with the CyberSurfr system.

International standards bodies like the European Technical Standards Institute (ETSI), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Digital Audio-Visual Council (DAVIC) to assist the industry in developing open standards.

Motorola officials said they are offering these licenses for its "substantial portfolio of intellectual property" because companies should be committed to keeping the standard open by using the licenses, instead of taking "advantage of the license while blocking other companies with their essential patents."

"We believe open standards will foster a healthy, competitive marketplace and focus the industry's efforts," said James Phillips, Motorola corporate vice president. "This free licensing offer allows customers and suppliers to continue the record breaking pace in which we are rolling out these new services."

CyberSurfr has been available since last summer, officials said, and offers high-speed data transport for Internet Protocol services like Internet access and local content services.

Source: Newsbytes