As this issue of Satellite News was going to press, Cisco Systems Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Scientific-Atlanta. The combined entity would create an end-to-end triple play solution for carrier networks and the digital home, the companies said.

The terms of the agreement call for Cisco to pay $43 per share in cash for each share of Scientific-Atlanta, and assuming outstanding options, for an aggregate purchase price of about $6.9 billion. The deal has been approved by the board of directors of each company and is subject to regulatory review as well as approval by Scientific-Atlanta shareholders.