Shaw 2009 Annual Report Download - page 16

digital IP packets that are carried to an IP-based telephone switch (“softswitch”). At this point, the
packets are transformed again into traditional telephone signals for connection to the public
switched telephone network or may be routed through the IP network to the called party.
Unlike internet phone providers who use the internet to route calls, Shaw’s Digital Phone service
uses Shaw’s own private managed broadband network and the public switched telephone network to
route calls, allowing the Company to ensure a consistent level of quality and reliability to its phone
customers.
During 2009, the Company launched Digital Phone service in various markets, including Prince
George, British Columbia and its surrounding areas, as well as expansions in the surrounding areas
of Red Deer, Lethbridge and Edmonton, all in Alberta. As at August 31, 2009, Shaw had
approximately 830,000 Digital Phone lines (primary and secondary lines on billing plus pending
installs).
Shaw Business Solutions
Shaw Business Solutions manages the national fibre network that is the primary Internet backbone
for Shaw’s broadband Internet customers. This backbone network is also used to carry Shaw Digital
Phone capacity and video signals. In addition, Shaw Business Solutions’ facilities are available to
internet service providers (“ISPs”), cable companies, broadcasters, governments and other
businesses and organizations that require end-to-end Internet, data and voice connectivity. In
particular, Shaw Business Solutions is focused on being a major account and wholesale provider
offering third parties advanced high speed data connectivity and Internet services in Canada and
the United States. Its offerings currently include data, voice and video transport and Internet
connectivity services. It also continues to establish public and private peering arrangements and
high speed connections to major North American, European and Asian network access points and
other tier-one backbone carriers.
2. Satellite
Satellite Services owns and leases, directly and indirectly, satellite transponders that receive and
amplify digital signals and transmit them to receiving dishes located within the footprint covered by
the satellite. Satellite Services’ interests in such transponders are set forth in the table below.
Satellite Transponders
Nature of Satellite Services
Interest
Anik F2 18 Ku-band Owned
5 Ku-band Leased
2 Ku-band (partial) Leased
Anik F1R 28 Ku-band Leased
2 C-band Leased
Intelsat Galaxy 16 1 Ku-band (partial) Leased
Shaw Direct
With dual satellites (Anik F2 and Anik F1R) whose signals are received by customers through an
elliptical dish, as at August 31, 2009, Shaw Direct offered over 450 digital video and audio
channels with a programming line-up offering the majority of television services that are available in
Canada, including local over-the-air broadcasters, national networks, specialty channels, U.S. and
foreign channels, adult programming and ethnic services. Shaw Direct’s subscribers have the
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Shaw Communications Inc.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
August 31, 2009