Sometimes local fiber project updates come in strange packages – this week I got an update from a Calix press release. The good news is that the ARRA-funded project led by Halstad Telephone Company seems to be going well. So well they’ve had an opportunity to be the first Calix customer to deploy the EXA Powered E7-20 multi-terabit Ethernet Service Access Platform (ESAP).

Here are the tech details…

HTC is leveraging both gigabit passive optical network (GPON) and Active Ethernet (AE) technologies delivered via the E7-20 and 700GE/GX family of optical network terminals (ONTs) to deliver advanced IPTV services, ultra high-speed residential and business data services capable of speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps), and reliable session initiation protocol (SIP) voice over IP (VOIP) services. The combination of GPON and AE technology support in the E7-20 and auto-detect technology in every 700GE/GX ONT provides extraordinary flexibility for HTC and its subscribers. HTC can now match the right technology and service to any customer elegantly and efficiently, offering gigabit per second speed across different technologies with the same deployment methodology. The E7-20 was first introduced to Calix customers at the Calix User Group Conference last Fall, and HTC’s deployment is the first of many scheduled over the next month at numerous Calix accounts across North America.