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Telenet
Telenet
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Internet history timeline

Early research and development:

Merging the networks and creating the Internet:

Commercialization, privatization, broader access leads to the modern Internet:

Examples of Internet services:

Telenet was an American commercial packet-switched network which went into service in August 16, 1975.[1][2] It was the first FCC-licensed public data network in the United States.[3] Various commercial and government interests paid monthly fees for dedicated lines connecting their computers and local networks to this backbone network. Free public dialup access to Telenet, for those who wished to access these systems, was provided in hundreds of cities throughout the United States.

History

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After establishing that commercial operation of "value added carriers" was legal in the U.S., Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN), who were the private contractors for constructing packet switching nodes (Interface Message Processor) for the ARPANET, set out to create a private sector version. The original founding company, Telenet Inc., was established by BBN. In January 1975, Telenet Communications Corporation announced that they had acquired the necessary venture capital after a two-year quest. Initially, Bob Kahn was the first President of Telenet; He then moved to ARPA as Larry Roberts left to become President of the company.[4] Barry Wessler also joined from ARPA. On August 16 of the same year they began operating the first public data network.[5][6][nb 1]

The network offered an email service called Telemail.[7]

Telenet had its first offices in downtown Washington, D.C., then moved to McLean, Virginia. It was acquired by GTE in 1979, and then moved to offices in Reston, Virginia.[8] It was later acquired by Sprint and called "Sprintnet". Sprint migrated customers from Telenet to the modern-day Sprintlink IP network,[9] one of many networks composing today's Internet.

Coverage

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Originally, the public network had switching nodes in seven US cities:[10]

The switching nodes were fed by Telenet Access Controller (TAC) terminal concentrators both colocated and remote from the switches. By 1980, there were over 1000 switches in the public network. At that time, the next largest network using Telenet switches was that of Southern Bell, which had approximately 250 switches.

In 1977, Telenet added a London node and a Network Control Centre in a London building of Britain's Post Office Telecommunications.

Internal network technology

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Telenet initially used a proprietary virtual connection host interface.[1] The network used statically defined hop-by-hop routing, using Prime commercial minicomputers as switches, but then migrated to a purpose-built multiprocessing switch based on 6502 microprocessors. Among the innovations of this second-generation switch was a patented arbitrated bus interface that created a switched fabric among the microprocessors.[11] By contrast, a typical microprocessor-based system of the time used a bus; switched fabrics did not become common until about twenty years later, with the advent of PCI Express and HyperTransport.

Most interswitch lines ran at 56 kbit/s, with a few, such as New York-Washington, at T1 (i.e., 1.544 Mbit/s).

Originally, the switching tables could not be altered separately from the main executable code, and topology updates had to be made by deliberately crashing the switch code and forcing a reboot from the network management center. Improvements in the software allowed new tables to be loaded, but the network never used dynamic routing protocols. Multiple static routes, on a switch-by-switch basis, could be defined for fault tolerance. Network management functions continued to run on Prime minicomputers.

Roberts and Barry Wessler joined the international effort to standardize the a protocol for packet-switched data communication based on virtual circuits shortly before it was finalized. The CCITT proposal for X.25 was being prepared by Rémi Després and other international experts. A few minor changes, which complemented the proposed specification, were accommodated to enable Telenet to join the agreement.[12][13] Telenet adopted X.25 shortly after the protocol was published in March 1976.[1] Its X.25 host interface was the first in the industry.[nb 2]

The main internal protocol was a proprietary variant on X.75; Telenet also ran standard X.75 gateways to other packet switching networks.

Accessing the network

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Basic asynchronous access

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Users could use modems on the Public Switched Telephone Network to dial TAC ports, calling either from "dumb" terminals or from computers emulating such terminals. Organizations with a large number of local terminals could install a TAC on their own site, which used a dedicated line, at up to 56 kbit/s, to connect to a switch at the nearest Telenet location. Dialup modems supported had a maximum speed of 1200 bit/s, and later 4800 bit/s.

For example, a customer in NYC could dial into the local number, then type in a command similar to:

c 301 555

which would connect (that "c") them to a computer system designated as number "555" located in the same vicinity as the standard telephone "area code" 301.

One significant customer was an early (what would now be called) internet service provider The Source which had their equipment in Mclean, Va. Telenet offered a much lower nighttime rate when there were few corporate customers, and this let The Source set up a modestly priced offering to tens of thousands of customers. Another prominent customer in the 1980s was Quantum Link (now AOL).

Other access protocols

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Telenet supported remote concentrators for IBM 3270 family intelligent terminals, which communicated, via X.25 to Telenet-written software that ran in IBM 370x series front-end processors. Telenet also supported Block Mode Terminal Interfaces (BMTI) for IBM Remote Job Entry terminals supporting the 2780/3780 and HASP Bisync protocols.

PC Pursuit

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In the late 1980s, Telenet offered a service called PC Pursuit. For a flat monthly fee, customers could dial into the Telenet network in one city, then dial out on the modems in another city to access bulletin board systems and other services. PC Pursuit was popular among computer hobbyists because it sidestepped long-distance charges. In this sense, PC Pursuit was similar to the Internet, allowing any user to call any system as if it were local.

On connection to the network, the user entered a 5-letter code for the target city they wished to call. This consisted of a 2-letter state code and a 3-letter acronym for the city. For instance, to call a system in Cleveland, Ohio, the user would enter the code OHCLV, for "OHio", "CLeVeland". Once connected, the user could dial out to any local number, and the system simulated a direct connection between the two endpoints.

Partial list of cities accessible by PC Pursuit
City Code Area Code(s) City
AZPHO 602 Phoenix, Arizona
CAGLE 818 Glendale, California
CALAN 213 Los Angeles, California
CODEN 303 Denver, Colorado
CTHAR 203 Hartford, Connecticut
FLMIA 305 Miami, Florida
GAATL 404 Atlanta, Georgia
ILCHI 312, 815 Chicago, Illinois
MABOS 617 Boston, Massachusetts
MIDET 313 Detroit, Michigan
MNMIN 612 Minneapolis, Minnesota
NCRTP 919 Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
NJNEW 201 Newark, New Jersey
NYNYO 212, 718 New York City
OHCLV 216 Cleveland, Ohio
ORPOR 503 Portland, Oregon
PAPIT 412 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
PAPHI 215 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TXDAL 214, 817 Dallas, Texas
TXHOU 713 Houston, Texas
WIMIL 414 Milwaukee, Wisconsin
WASEA 206 Seattle, Washington

See also

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Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Telenet Communications Corporation was a pioneering American telecommunications company that developed and operated the first commercial packet-switched network in the United States. Incorporated in 1972 and founded in 1973 by Lawrence Roberts, a key figure in the project, Telenet launched public service on August 16, 1975, becoming the first FCC-licensed public data network. The network utilized advanced packet-switching technology, including the development of the X.25 protocol standard, and provided data communications services via dial-up access to businesses and institutions. It expanded internationally through partnerships and was acquired by in 1979, after which it relocated to . In 1986, Sprint acquired Telenet, rebranding it as Sprintnet, which continued operations until migration to modern IP networks in the 1990s. Telenet played a crucial role in the commercialization of , influencing the evolution of global data networks and the internet.

History

Founding and Early Development

Telenet Group Holding NV traces its origins to 1994, when the initiated the project to develop a second in alongside the state-owned Belgacom, partnering with (later ). The company was formally established on September 23, 1996, with initial shareholders including (25%), GIMV (20%), intermunicipal corporations (35%), and a financial (20%). Headquartered in , Telenet focused on cable-based broadband infrastructure to serve and . In its early years, Telenet prioritized network rollout and service launches. In August 1997, it introduced broadband Internet under the Pandora brand in Bonheiden and Antwerp-Kiel, becoming one of the first providers of high-speed access in Belgium. That December, Telenet received a license from the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications (BIPT) to offer voice telephony services. By January 1998, telecom products were launched, followed in spring by Pandora dial-up Internet, with expansion to 14 towns and completion of a 635-km fiber-optic network. In 1999, following AT&T's acquisition of MediaOne, Telenet's shares were redistributed, and the company adopted the Telenet Internet branding. Challenges included regulatory hurdles and competition from Belgacom, but these efforts established Telenet as a key player in Flemish broadband. In May 2000, Callahan Associates International acquired a 54.2% majority stake, launching Telenet Internet XL in September to enhance always-on connectivity.

Launch and Operational Milestones

Telenet's operational expansion accelerated in the early with product innovations and . In February 2001, Callahan solidified its majority ownership, and Duco Sickinghe was appointed CEO in June. August 2002 saw the takeover of the ICS cable network, alongside introductions like ‘night surfing’ unlimited access and free antivirus services. In July 2003, Games-on-Demand was launched, followed in October by acquisitions of Codenet NV and Sinfilo for business and mobile growth. November 2004 marked Liberty Global's entry as a shareholder and the launch of FreePhone fixed-rate telephony. Key milestones included the September 3, 2005, launch of interactive and an (IPO) on Brussels in October, raising capital for expansion. In January 2006, the Telenet Digicorder debuted, enabling personal video recording, while August brought via a (MVNO) agreement with Mobistar (now Orange ). December 2007 introduced (HDTV). The company went public with its IPO valuing it at around €2.5 billion, reflecting strong growth in subscribers. By 2010, Telenet launched Fibernet offering speeds up to 100 Mbps and Yelo for multi-device TV viewing in December. In June 2011, it secured exclusive Belgian football , boosting its media profile. Further innovations included the October 2012 launch of Yelo TV, official rollout on February 21, 2013, and appointment of John Porter as CEO in March 2013. August 2014 announced a €500 million investment over five years for network upgrades to gigabit speeds. In February 2019, YUGO TV was introduced, and September saw the GIGA-INTERNET rollout across Flanders and Brussels. September 2020 launched the Streamz streaming service in partnership with DPG Media, while April 2021 introduced the customizable ONE offering. In March 2021, Telenet partnered with Ericsson, Nokia, and Google Cloud for 5G deployment.

Acquisitions and Corporate Evolution

Telenet's growth involved strategic acquisitions and ownership shifts. In May 2007, it acquired UPC Belgium for €187 million, completed on January 2, 2007, after approval, expanding cable operations in and to cover nearly all regions. , already a since 2004, increased its stake to majority control (over 50%) in February 2007, providing resources for infrastructure investments. Other early deals included Hostbasket in May 2007 for business ICT and Interkabel's customer base in December 2008. In March 2009, Telenet upgraded its Mobistar partnership to full MVNO status, launching Walk & Talk mobile products. June 2010 acquired SFR BeLux, and February 2017 welcomed Lycamobile as a full MVNO partner. A landmark acquisition was BASE Company NV, Belgium's third-largest mobile operator, agreed in April 2015 for €1.325 billion and completed on February 11, 2016, after regulatory approvals, adding nearly 3 million mobile subscribers and strengthening nationwide coverage. In February 2015, Telenet took a 50% stake in De Vijver Media (later Play Media), acquiring full ownership in March 2018. June 2016 launched the WIGO all-in-one bundle post-BASE integration. In February 2019, YUGO TV expanded media offerings. More recently, in December 2022, Telenet acquired Luxembourg-based Eltrona for full control of cross-border operations. Corporate evolution culminated in Liberty Global's full buyout. Holding a majority since 2007, Liberty Global launched a voluntary bid in January 2023, acquiring 93.23% by July 2023 and completing the simplified in October 2023, delisting Telenet from on October 13, 2023, for €15.10 per share. This solidified Liberty Global's 100% ownership, enabling focused investments in , , and digital services without public market pressures. As of 2023, Telenet continued expansions, including a March 2022 sale of its mobile tower business to for €700 million.

Network Coverage and Expansion

Domestic Coverage in Belgium

Telenet primarily operates a cable network covering and , providing high-speed , , and fixed-line to residential and customers. Following its founding in , Telenet initially focused on Flemish regions, but expanded significantly through the 2006 acquisition of UPC Belgium, which added coverage in and additional Flemish areas such as and parts of . This merger created the largest cable operator in , serving nearly all of by 2008 after taking over Interkabel. As of recent reports, Telenet's fixed network reaches approximately 2.3 million homes passed in and , supporting 1.7 million subscribers and 1.6 million video customers. Mobile services, offered through its BASE brand since the acquisition of BASE Company, provide nationwide 4G and coverage across . The network launched in December 2021 in select areas around , , and the coast, growing to over 850 sites covering nearly 260 municipalities by April 2023, primarily in but expanding into and . Further expansion into Wallonia occurred via the 2017 acquisition of SFR BeLux, adding cable infrastructure in select areas and enhancing mobile reach. In 2018, Telenet acquired Etterbeek's cable network, consolidating its Brussels presence. The company invests heavily in upgrades, including a €500 million commitment in 2014 to deliver gigabit speeds (up to 1 Gbps) across its cable footprint by 2019, benefiting over 90% of customers. Recent efforts focus on fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout, with planned higher capital expenditures in 2025 for fiber expansion and 5G densification in collaboration with partners like Proximus.

International Expansion

Telenet's international presence is limited but growing through strategic acquisitions in neighboring regions. In 2017, the acquisition of BeLux included operations in the , providing initial cable and mobile services there. This was expanded in December 2022 with the full acquisition of Eltrona, a Luxembourg-based provider, granting Telenet 100% ownership of its network serving around 30,000 households with , TV, and telephony. Additionally, Telenet's business division offers connectivity, hosting, and security solutions to enterprise customers in both and , leveraging cross-border infrastructure. As of 2024, these operations support a small but integrated footprint outside , focusing on seamless services for multinational clients without major standalone international networks. Future growth may involve further European partnerships, aligned with parent company Liberty Global's strategy.

Technology and Architecture

Internal Network Design and Hardware

Telenet Group's internal network is built on a (HFC) architecture, combining backbones with distribution to deliver high-speed , , and telephony services across Flanders and Brussels. The network reaches nearly 3.5 million homes, with ongoing upgrades to support gigabit speeds to all connected households as of 2023. Central to this design is the Distributed Access Architecture (DAA), which virtualizes and disaggregates network functions, using Remote PHY () devices to push processing closer to the edge, improving efficiency and scalability for 10G roadmaps. Hardware includes 3.1-compatible cable modems deployed to over 1.7 million subscribers, enabling downstream speeds up to 1 Gbps and upstream up to 50 Mbps, with plans for 4.0 to achieve multi-gigabit symmetric connectivity. Optical transport is enhanced by Ciena's coherent optics and network management solutions, facilitating wavelength services and expansion across since 2023. For mobile services serving 2.9 million customers, Telenet utilizes infrastructure with Massive MIMO technology, first demonstrated in field trials in 2018, integrated into its HFC core for fixed-mobile convergence. The network invests approximately €900 million annually in infrastructure, including fiber deep deployments and node upgrades to handle increasing data demands.

Protocols and Standards Implementation

Telenet implements the (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) protocol suite for its cable broadband services, with current deployments based on DOCSIS 3.1 standards certified for EuroDOCSIS compliance, supporting dual-stack, channel bonding up to 32 downstream/8 upstream channels, and low-latency DOCSIS for enhanced gaming and real-time applications. Introduced in 2019, DOCSIS 3.1 modems facilitate gigabit , with laboratory demonstrations of DOCSIS 4.0 in 2022 paving the way for future 10 Gbps symmetric speeds. For fixed and mobile telephony, Telenet employs IP-based protocols including (SIP) for (VoIP) and integrates New Radio (NR) standards for mobile, with support for as a fallback. Video services to 1.6 million subscribers use over for digital TV delivery, compliant with (Digital Video Broadcasting - Cable) standards. Interconnections with other networks follow ETSI and specifications, ensuring for international and wholesale services. As of 2024, Telenet continues to evolve its protocols toward full IP transition and network slicing for , aligning with European regulatory frameworks for and competition.

Access Methods and Services

Broadband and Fixed Telephony Access

Telenet provides high-speed broadband internet and fixed-line telephony primarily through its hybrid cable and fiber-optic network, serving residential and business customers in Flanders and Brussels. Access is enabled via coaxial cable for widespread coverage and fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) for upgraded areas, allowing symmetric or asymmetric speeds without the need for dial-up or legacy packet-switched protocols. As of September 2025, standard plans like All-internet and WIGO offer up to 500 Mbps download and 30 Mbps upload speeds, while ONE bundles and fiber connections reach up to 1 Gbps download, supporting streaming, gaming, and remote work. Fixed telephony uses Voice over IP (VoIP) over the broadband connection, providing unlimited calls within Belgium and to landlines in select countries, integrated into bundles for cost efficiency. Customers connect using provided modems/routers (e.g., Telenet Modem or eero gateways for ), with self-installation kits or professional setup available. The network supports IPv4 and protocols, with (QoS) prioritization for voice and video traffic to ensure low latency (under 20 ms for local calls). By 2025, Telenet's infrastructure covers over 2.2 million households, with ongoing fiber rollout aiming for gigabit access nationwide by 2028. This setup replaces traditional PSTN lines, offering integrated services without dedicated copper wiring. Pricing is bundle-based, starting at €30-€50 per month for and combos, with no per-minute fees for fixed calls. Specialized access for students includes discounted high-speed plans at 100-300 Mbps, tailored for campus or home use. Telenet's adaptive ensures 99.9% uptime, with app-based monitoring for users.

Mobile Services and Advanced Wireless Access

Telenet delivers mobile services under the BASE brand, utilizing a LTE and network for voice, data, and messaging across . Access is via SIM cards in smartphones or hotspots, with providing enhanced speeds and coverage since its 2022 launch and full rollout by 2025. As of July 2025, Telenet/BASE holds the best coverage in , serving 2.9 million subscribers with peak download speeds up to 1 Gbps in urban areas and average 100-500 Mbps, five times faster than . The network employs non-standalone (NSA) and standalone (SA) architectures, supporting low-latency applications like and IoT. Users access services through postpaid or prepaid plans, with unlimited data options starting at €20/month, including access where available. Protocol support includes modern standards like VoLTE for HD voice calls and for indoor coverage. BASE expanded fixed-mobile convergence in 2024, allowing seamless handoff between home and mobile. Advanced features include support for quick activation and multi-SIM for family sharing. By 2025, investments exceed €500 million, enabling integrations for business users. This positions Telenet as a leader in converged services, with 99% population coverage for / combined.

Digital TV and Specialized Services

Telenet's services deliver over 200 channels via cable or IP (over ), accessible through set-top boxes or app-based streaming on smart TVs, mobiles, and computers. The Telenet TV platform, updated in October 2025, features a personalized with AI recommendations, a "Best of " section for local content, and integration with streaming apps like and Disney+. Video-on-demand (VOD) includes thousands of titles, with 4K UHD support on fiber connections and low-latency streaming under 5 seconds. The compact Telenet TV box IP, launched in 2024, is environmentally friendly and supports hybrid cable/IP delivery for 1.6 million subscribers. Specialized services enhance accessibility, including voice control, in multiple languages, and . Bundles like ONE combine TV with and mobile for €70-€100/month, offering replay functions up to 7 days. Telenet also provides enterprise-grade private networks over its infrastructure, with VPN-like security for multi-site connectivity at up to 10 Gbps dedicated. Gateway integrations connect to international content via partnerships, supporting global streaming without borders. As of , Telenet's marketplace (launched April 2025) enables micro-transactions for premium content, boosting user engagement. These services emphasize local production and , with energy-efficient hardware reducing .

Legacy and Impact

Technological Influence and Innovations

Telenet Group Holding NV has been a pioneer in Belgium's telecommunications sector since its founding in 1996, initially focusing on cable television before expanding into broadband internet, digital TV, and mobile services. The company introduced high-speed internet via coaxial cable in the late 1990s, significantly advancing broadband accessibility in Flanders and Brussels. In 2005, Telenet launched interactive digital television and video-on-demand services, enhancing user engagement with personalized content delivery. Key innovations include the 2010 rollout of Yelo, a multi-device TV streaming platform, and the introduction of GIGA-INTERNET offering up to 1 Gbps speeds across its network, positioning Telenet as a leader in gigabit connectivity. Through acquisitions like UPC Belgium in 2006 and BASE Company in 2016, Telenet integrated fixed and mobile services, fostering hybrid network architectures that improved coverage and service bundling for over 2 million customers. These developments have influenced 's digital infrastructure, promoting against traditional copper-based providers and supporting the shift to fiber-coaxial hybrid models. Telenet's emphasis on , including annual investments exceeding €900 million in network upgrades, has also set benchmarks for eco-friendly telecom practices, earning gold awards in the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook in .

Successors and Modern Relevance

As a subsidiary of since 2007, Telenet underwent a full in 2023, transitioning to private ownership and enabling focused investments in next-generation technologies without public market pressures. This evolution has sustained Telenet's dominance as Belgium's largest cable provider, serving approximately 1.7 million , 2.9 million mobile, and 1.6 million video subscribers as of 2023. In the modern era, Telenet continues to drive , migrating legacy systems to platforms and adopting agile practices for faster service delivery. Recent initiatives include AI-powered TV personalization and local content enhancements launched in October 2025, improving amid streaming competition. The company's commitment to digital inclusion, such as the 2020 Telenet Essential program, addresses gaps, while ongoing efforts align with EU green digital goals. As of November 2025, Telenet remains integral to Europe's connectivity landscape, employing around 3,400 people and generating over €2.8 billion in annual revenue.

References

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