Kentucky muni network goes gigabit with Calix FTTP gear

Broadband access network equipment provider Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) says it has provided its Calix E7-2 Ethernet Service Access Platform (ESAP) and 700GE family of optical network terminals (ONTs) to EPB SmartNet, a municipally owned fiber to the premises (FTTP) network in Russellville, KY. EPB SmartNet is using the equipment to become the first provider in Kentucky to offer 1-Gbps fiber-optic broadband services.

"We are so proud to make Russellville the first gigabit city in the state of Kentucky," said Robert White, general manager of EPB SmartNet. "With a fiber broadband network, built on the future-proof solutions from Calix, residents and businesses alike will be attracted to our community. Now everyone can live, work, and play in Russellville while experiencing a gigabit lifestyle that is available to just a handful of communities in the whole world."

EPB SmartNet is using the GPON capabilities of the E7-2, Calix says. The service provider is an existing Calix customer, having used elements of the Calix Unified Access portfolio in an FTTP build in 2010. Existing FTTP infrastructure was used for the new service tier.

According to John Colvin, Calix senior vice president of North American sales, "With stimulated economic development, better education and public services, and a tech-savvy broadband lifestyle, gigabit services can truly transform a community. Through our partnership with EPB SmartNet on their gigabit network, we are looking forward to seeing what is next for the residents and businesses of Russellville, and the impact this world-class network will make on their lives. "

Calix says it is now supporting 43 gigabit networks in 24 different states. (For more on the business case for gigabit broadband, watch the video "Is Gigabit FTTH a Gimmick?").

For more information on FTTx equipment and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.