Method and device for providing communication services

A method of providing subscribers with communication services in accordance with their agreements with a service provider, the method comprises:

• determining a first plurality of subscribers to be connected to the service provider via a distribution unit located in an access network;
• determining an advanced broadband technology to be produced by the distribution unit as a minimal default technology (DABT);
• in the distribution unit, arranging a second plurality of substantially uniform communication devices for serving the first plurality of subscribers, and providing for each of said subscribers, irrespective of its individual agreement reached with the service provider, an individual communication link for supplying, from one of the communication devices, broadband communication services by using said DABT or a more advanced broadband technology, and enabling each of the plurality of subscribers to receive services in accordance with their respective agreements with the service provider.

A method of providing a narrowband subscriber with communication services in a converged broadband and narrowband communications access network, the method comprises establishing for said narrowband subscriber a communication link capable of carrying broadband communication services, while preventing the use by said subscriber of all communication services not included in an agreement between said subscriber and a service provider.

A communication service distribution unit for use in a converged broadband and narrowband access network, comprising a first plurality of substantially uniform communication devices for serving a second plurality of subscribers associated with the distribution unit, wherein each of said communication devices being adapted to provide to its corresponding subscriber either a technologically advanced broadband communication service as a minimal default communication service, or a more advanced broadband communication service via an individual communication link, and wherein said subscribers include at least one narrowband subscriber.

A service filtering means operative to derive, from a technologically advanced broadband communication service reserved for a particular subscriber at a distribution unit in an access network, only communication services agreed between said particular subscriber and a service provider.

A system for providing broadband and narrowband subscribers with communication services in accordance with their agreements with a service provider, the system comprises a distribution unit accommodating at least one communication device operative to provide a broadband communication service and connected to a narrowband subscriber via an individual communication link and via a service filtering means;

• the service filtering means being operative to prevent the use by the narrowband subscriber of communication services not included in an agreement between said narrowband subscriber and the service provider.