Video ready access device

A Video Ready Access Device, more commonly know as a "VRAD," provides DSL access and HD cable TV to customers subscribed to AT&T's U-verse brand of services. The VRAD equipment is the work of ALCATEL who creates various communications systems. The VRADs supply access to up to 768 households per box (7330). [ [http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/94032 Comcast Ads Mock Unsightly AT&T U-Verse Cabinets - AT&T files false advertising suit in Chicago court - dslreports.com ] ] The VRAD boxes are fed by fiber optic cable.

There are 2 types of VRAD systems currently used by AT&T. They are FTTN-Fiber To The Node and FTTP-Fiber To The Premise. FTTN is widely used where copper facilities exist in established neighborhoods. The FTTN system uses a 7330-VRAD shelf which is fed by fiber and uses existing copper facilities to customer homes. Due to the copper pairs, there are distance limitations from the VRAD cabinet to the customers home. The FTTP systems uses a 7400-VRAD shelf which is also feed by fiber but does not have the distance limitations as the 7330. This system is mostly used in areas where there are no copper facilities as in a new neighborhood or large scale development. The 7400 then connects to an SAI box via a dual strand fiber. This dual strand is then split into 32 customer fiber pairs. The fiber pairs would then lead into a customers residence through and equipment room or garage. The fiber is then connected to a Decoder box then to the customer's TV, computer and phone lines.

Controversy

To make its U-verse services available to customers, AT&T needs to install VRADs in the areas they will service. The VRADs are quite large, around 150 cm wide, 122 cm tall, and 66 cm deep, which has drawn complaints from homeowners. The utility boxes are also a target for graffiti. [ [http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATTs-Latest-VRAD-Headache-Graffiti-96209 AT&T's Latest VRAD Headache: Graffiti - City of New Haven now annoyed with box tagging... - dslreports.com ] ] One of AT&T's competitors, Comcast, has run ads in the Chicago area against U-verse, based on the size and unsightly appearance of AT&T's VRADs. [ [http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6554809.html?desc=topstory AT&T, Comcast Trade Jabs In Chicago - 4/24/2008 4:09:00 PM - Multichannel News ] ] This has cause AT&T to file suit against Comcast.

Four VRADs have exploded due to faulty batteries, at least one causing shrapnel to hurl "fifty feet throughout the neighborhood." The batteries were manufactured by Avestor, a now bankrupt company. AT&T has elected to replace all 17,000 Avestor batteries currently used by it's VRADs. [ [http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/91000 AT&T Replacing 17,000 U-Verse Batteries - Apparently the units aren't supposed to spontaneously combust - dslreports.com ] ] As of July 24, 2008, AT&T has replaced all Avestor batteries with Alcatel SAFT Ni-Cad batteries. SAFT batteries have a 10 year life and are safer to maintain.

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