Telecommunications equipment vendor Calix pulled on a new board member on the same day it unveiled a deployment of network equipment that enables Grande Communications to deliver high-speed 1-Gbps service in Austin, Texas.
Calix deployed E7-2 Ethernet Service Access Platforms (ESAP) to replace existing cable modem termination systems and provided its Calix 700GE units to replace cable modems used by Grande Communication's customers. Grande is one of the country's top-20 cable operators.
Managed by Calix's Open Link Software, the upgrades to Grande Communication's network can now deliver data transfers in West Austin, Texas, of up to 1 Gbps -- 128 MBs per second, or roughly an album's worth of MP3 music in that same time.
Matt Murphy, president of Grande Communications, said his company is starting delivering gigabit service because there has been a high demand for it.
"To meet this demand, we were looking for a fast and efficient path to bring gigabit speeds to our subscribers while leveraging our existing DOCSIS provisioning systems," said Murphy. "Calix has delivered for us by providing a powerful fiber access platform over GPON that has allowed us to become Austin's first gigabit services provider. And now, with Open Link Cable, Grande will have the ability to provision these advanced fiber services with our back office systems untouched."
DOCSIS, or Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification, is an international telecommunications standard that lets cable companies add high-speed data transfer to an existing cable TV system. While making the case for the need for such high-speed data transfers, Carl Russo, Calix president and CEO, stated his support from newly appointed board member Christopher J. Bowick.
"Service providers of all kinds, traditional telecoms operators, cable companies, wireless providers, municipalities, and other new entrants, are all grappling with the access network implications of content moving to the cloud and with the proliferation of broadband-enabled devices," said Russo. "Our Unified Access architecture has been meeting this challenge for many years. Chris's extensive knowledge and experience in leadership roles at communications technology companies and service providers is a tremendous asset for Calix as we help our customers continue to adapt, transform, and grow."
Bowick has more than 25 years of experience in working at telecommunications companies that include Cox Communications, Charter Communications, Scientific-Atlanta and Jones Intercable. Bowick pointed to how Calix facilitated the rollout of broadband service across North America and shared his hope for pushing the company forward.
"The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the emerging convergence of cable and telecom markets as service providers increasingly turn to fiber-based solutions to deliver the speed and quality of service being demanded by both business and residential consumers," said Bowick. "I am looking forward to joining the Calix team as the company executes on its next phase of growth."
