UK alternative network (alt-net) operator Call Flow has selected ADTRAN, Inc. (NASDAQ:ADTN) to supply its XGS-PON system to power what the systems house asserts is the UK's first generation of symmetric multi-gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services. Increasing application demands for AR/VR, 4K media streaming, and software applications cloudification drive the need for lower latency and higher data rates. Call Flow will address these market demands by deploying XGS-PON for new rollouts, ADTRAN explains.
Call Flow has leveraged ducts and poles (PIA/DPA) and sub-loop unbundling (SLU/FTTC) from Openreach to build both superfast and ultrafast networks across Kent, East Sussex, Hampshire, and Berkshire. The broadband operator offers up to 100-Mbps FTTC-based services across this footprint. Use of the 10-Gbps XGS-PON FTTH technology will enable these existing services to scale.
"This deployment adds to the global momentum building around 10 Gigabit PON as the primary access technology of choice for operators in developed broadband markets," said Ronan Kelly, ADTRAN's CTO for EMEA & APAC. "Rapidly and cost-effectively satisfying subscriber demand and government targets, XGS-PON is the breakthrough the FTTH industry has been waiting for."
XGS-PON provides 10-Gbps symmetric fixed wavelength PON over new or existing fiber-optic infrastructures, allowing Call Flow to simultaneously address residential and business subscribers on a single, common optical distribution network.
Compatible with Call Flow's existing FTTH network, the system is expected to lead to a step-change in symmetric multi-Gigabit access performance, supporting strategic expansion over the next five to ten years, says ADTRAN. The company adds that use of its XGS-PON system also will provide the available capacity to support Call Flows premium revenues by doubling the useable life span of the optical distribution network.
"ADTRAN's global leadership in gigabit broadband solutions made it the ideal choice to address the rising bandwidth demands we anticipate for the next 5–10 years and beyond," said Andy Conibere, Call Flow's CEO. "Its commitment to modern software-based, open architectures reinforced our view that it was the right partner for us. As Call Flow expands to answer more of the pent-up demand for Gigabit broadband services throughout the UK, XGS-PON will be essential to future-proofing our competitive advantage and delivering maximum value to our residential and business customers, as well as our investors."
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