Canadian cable operator Vidéotron has launched its new iLLICO service. This will allow subscribers to send messages using PowerTV's email, surf the Internet, chat, and take advantage of Vidéotron's local content. This has been made possible thanks to the Scientific-Atlanta digital interactive network, its scalable network software, Explorer® digital set-tops, and PowerTV's operating system.

The apparent aim of iLLICO, Scientific-Atlanta and PowerTV technology is to make television the medium through which customers can communicate with the operators. Over 100,000 subscribers of the cable operator's system in Quebec will be given the privilege of using the facility first. This is because they are already using Scientific-Atlanta Explorer digital interactive set-tops. The services are available across the entire system that the operator has in place in Quebec and the broadband system features will expand and touch new levels.

Speaking on this Dr Allen Ecker, president of Subscriber Networks, Scientific-Atlanta said: "The network software and operating system are capable of handling the two-way traffic as the use of interactive services grows, with scalability that provides the operator with a high degree of flexibility as they expand their digital footprint. Together, they manage the traffic, deliver the services and enable the cable operator to provide the interactive services that subscribers want, when they want them."