In the opinion of some analysts SBC has opted for a technologically risky FTTx IPTV rollout. Several "new" technologies are being used:

• fiber to the curb with VDSL2 access to the residence will be the primary approach
• IPTV and MPEG 4 compression will be used

In comparison, Verizon has taken the less technologically risky (but more expensive?) approach of BPON and video over RF with MPEG 2 compression for its rollout. In this article, Jeff Weber, vice president of product and strategy for SBC, defends SBC’s choices.