Although the economics can vary based on deployment densities, costs for installing BrightPath are within 20 percent of HFC new-builds, and about 50 percent better compared to the current PON-based scheme used by Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: VZ - message board), according to CommScope.

    In lower-density networks, Morrocco adds, BrightPath can cost less than HFC, because active electronics, save for the node, are eliminated.

    Motorola Inc. (NYSE: MOT - message board) and Scientific Atlanta have not announced any deployments or trial work with cable operators for their respective approaches. Alloptic Inc. , however, has gained some traction for its fiber-fed "MicroNode" system with operators such as BendBroadband and Armstrong Cable . Some Tier 1 MSOs are also exploring MicroNode deployments, according to Shane Eleniak, Alloptic's VP for marketing and business development.

    Wave 7 Optics Inc. is also approaching MSOs about deploying FTTP in targeted situations, but announcements have been few and far between. In 2006, CableOne teamed with Wave 7 to deploy an FTTP network serving a new 7,000-home area in Rio Rancho, N.M.

    Morrocco saysCommScopecompleted its first BrightPath deployment in August 2006. The company began shipping the system commercially about six months ago.

    "We feel like we've hit the market in terms of having the right solution for cable operators," he says.

    But CommScope is not disclosing names of its deployment and trial partners. According to multiple sources familiar with the system, however, Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC - message board), Bresnan Communications, CableOne , and Sunflower Broadband are among those giving BrightPath a look at some level.

    Among that group, Sunflower Broadband, an operator based in Lawrence, Kan., is testing the BrightPath system in a neighborhood of about 40 to 50 homes.