Occam Networks Assists Alpine Communications With Largest FTTP Deployment In Iowa

Santa Barbara, CA - Occam Networks Inc., a leading broadband access network supplier, announced recently that Alpine Communications is upgrading its network to provide advanced Triple Play fiber to the premise (FTTP) services with Occam's Broadband Loop Carrier (BLC) 6000 system. Alpine is headquartered in Elkader and serves 6,300 subscribers in seven rural communities throughout northeast Iowa.

Alpine has purchased Occam's BLC 6312 Optical Line Termination Blades and ON 2342 Optical Network Terminal Active Fiber Triple Play Gateways. When completed, Alpine will manage an all-IP network, one of the largest FTTP networks in the state and the first incorporating Nortel's CS 1500 communications server, which will act as the IP voice switch.

"We've had great success working with Occam in the past and are enthusiastic to continue our relationship as we implement our strategy of moving to an all-FTTP network," said Chris Hopp, general manager for Alpine Communications. "In our applications, active Ethernet makes more sense than GPON, and Occam lets us make that choice.

"Active supplies a dedicated ‘pipe' that provides full bi-directional bandwidth. As services evolve to include bandwidth intensive applications like video, we believe having intelligent devices at the edge of the network is advantageous for the following reasons: multicast streaming, ease of management and troubleshooting, flexibility in providing new services and low first subscriber costs."

Alpine began its relationship with Occam in September 2006. Their first project together included retrofitting Alpine's network with Occam's BLC 6214, which combines POTS and ADSL2plus in a single high-density blade.

Alpine Communications offers its subscribers Triple Play services: local and long distance voice, data, and video. Alpine also delivers cable television service in seven rural communities.

"Our relationship with Alpine continues to grow as the company upgrades its network," said Nathan Harrell, vice president of sales for Occam Networks. "Occam's ease of deployment and rapid ‘time to revenue' has enabled Alpine to upgrade quickly and generate new revenue streams."

SOURCE: Occam Networks Inc.