SEPTEMBER 8, 2006 – Pace Micro Technology plc (LSE:PIC), the leading independent developer of digital TV technologies for the global payTV industry, and BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, are demonstrating their increasing broadband access speeds, based on newly released DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, at IBC2006.

A central tenet of DOCSIS 3.0 is channel bonding, which enables multiple downstream and upstream channels to be used together at the same time by a single subscriber, thereby allowing them to improve the time required to download movies, or swap video files. As a result, cable operators could offer a broader range of services and channels in addition to a richer user experience to consumers.

During IBC, Pace and BigBand Networks will be demonstrating the results of their collaborative efforts consistent with DOCSIS 3.0 specifications, which will show downstream rates in excess of 100Mbps for the delivery of broadband and video data. The demonstration consists of the BigBand Cuda® CMTS (cable modem termination system) and a prototype Pace channel bonded DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem.

Andrew Isherwood, Chief Technologist at Pace Micro Technology commented: "Using an open standard, such as DOCSIS 3.0, is critical to interoperability between the various providers of both headend and CPE (consumer premises equipment). The investments that cable operators have made in DOCSIS 2.0 implementations will also be protected as the evolution to DOCSIS 3.0 utilises existing CPE, keeping costs low.

"Furthermore, DOCSIS 3.0 also incorporates support for the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), which greatly expands the number of Internet addresses that cable operators can use. This, in conjunction with the far greater broadband speeds (up to 160Mbps downstream and up to 120Mbps upstream), will enable more IP-based services to be offered to consumers."

"With broadband operators seeking to provide higher access speeds, interest in DOCSIS 3.0 functionality is stronger than ever," said John Connelly, BigBand Networks executive vice president of marketing and business development.

"With this IBC demonstration, Pace and BigBand Networks are showing that the technology is real, the standard is maturing and commercial products are emerging."

Pace and BigBand Networks have actively participated in the DOCSIS 3.0 working group, that developed the DOCSIS 3.0 specification, released in August.

Andrew Isherwood concluded; "BigBand Networks and Pace are two leading players in the development of DOCSIS 3.0 technology, so it was a natural step to work together to bring this demonstration to IBC."

The channel bonding collaboration by PACE and BigBand Networks is being demonstrated at the PACE stand, 1.221 at IBC 2006, in Amsterdam, September 8-12.

About BigBand Networks

BigBand Networks, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data. Utilizing unique combinations of open technologies, the company`s solutions are designed to process, optimize, and deliver services such as broadband Internet, VoIP, digital broadcast television, HDTV, transport of high quality video, local advertising, VOD, interactive TV and IPTV through any network. Service providers use BigBand Networks` platforms in efforts to cost-effectively expand revenue-generating offerings of rich content and advanced interactive services. Customers include seven of the ten largest North American cable operators, US telecommunications companies, as well as leading service providers in Asia, Europe and Latin America. Founded in 1998, BigBand Networks is based in Redwood City, CA with offices worldwide. For more information, please call +1 650-995-5000, email [email protected] or visit www.bigbandnet.com.

Cuda and all other BigBand Networks brand and product names are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of BigBand Networks, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Pace Micro Technology

Pace Micro Technology plc (pic.l) is a leading technology developer for the global payTV industry. Pace`s main focus is on creating intelligent and innovative products and services that benefit our customers and fuel the development of digital TV.

Pace has one of the world`s most experienced specialist engineering teams and is the partner of choice for leading payTV operators across the globe, including Comcast, DirecTV, BSkyB, FOXTEL, Premiere, Sky Italia and UPC (part of Liberty Global).

Pace`s international headquarters are in Saltaire, West Yorkshire, UK, with further offices in the USA, France, Germany, India and Hong Kong. For more information on Pace, please visit www.pacemicro.com.

For further information, contact:
Julia Ruane
Pace Micro Technology plc
M: +44 7770 827923
E: [email protected]

Seth Kenvin
BigBand Networks
T: +1 650 995-5000
E: [email protected]