Viavi Solutions (NASDAQ: VIAV) says that Openreach is using the test instrument company's OneExpert 580 xDSL field tester during its G.fast trials. Openreach, BT's local network business unit, plans to use G.fast to supply high-speed broadband services to approximately 140,000 premises by March 2017 as part of the trial (see "BT connects first G.fast trial customers" and "Openreach plans new FTTP, G.fast trials").
Viavi says it has delivered to Openreach more than 15,000 test systems of various types (including the OneExpert 580). The companies have enhanced the test systems with StrataSync, a cloud-based asset and data management capability, as well as support for smartphone-based apps to facilitate technician workflow.
"We're working with a number of leading suppliers, and Viavi will help us to make sure we're able to test and verify our network to a high standard," explained Peter Bell, director, Network Portfolio and NGA Operations at Openreach. "G.fast builds on our existing investment in fiber and we're moving forward with our pilot which will see us bringing ultrafast speeds to around 140,000 premises across 17 locations by the end of March 2017."
Viavi is the second company to announce test support of the G.fast effort (see "EXFO supplies G.fast test equipment to BT Openreach").
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