Anza Electric broadens utility footprint with ADTRAN

Rural utility company Anza Electric Cooperative picked ADTRAN to supply broadband access network equipment to support its forthcoming gigabit broadband connectivity service, ConnectAnza.

Anza serves communities in nearly 700 square miles of high desert between San Diego and Palm Springs, CA. "ConnectAnza is definitely filling a void in the market," said Kevin Short, general manager, Anza Electric Cooperative. "With only one CLEC delivering basic broadband and no cable providers offering any alternatives, we took it upon ourselves to give our customers gigabit broadband connectivity."

Over 93% of co-op members approved the decision to leverage ADTRAN's gigabit service architecture – the highest voter turnout ever achieved.

So far, the service has been popular. "It's not at all unusual for our service van drivers to get stopped in the street by people asking when they can be signed up for gigabit broadband," says Short. "We really see this technology having a transformational effect on our community."

"Gigabit service delivery is so much more than a new revenue stream for rural service providers across the country. It is a chance for operators, utilities and municipalities to enrich the lives of their residents and create economic opportunities that have not existed before," said Mitch Fleming, vice president, service provider sales, ADTRAN. "Anza Electric's approach in building out continuing education programs is an excellent example of the creativity and ingenuity by these providers to make a difference. The incredible support of their members is reflective of the commitment Anza Electric has to their community."

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