Access Communications upgrading HFC amplifiers with ATX Networks' GigaXtend
ATX Networks says it is supporting Access Communications’ HFC plant upgrade. The Saskatchewan co-op is deploying the GigaXtend GMC 1.2-GHz HFC amplifiers to increase its downstream and upstream capacity to better address the needs of the 235 communities in rural areas of the Canadian province.
The co-op is upgrading its installed base of GainMaker amplifiers with the GigaXtend GMC, which offers backwards compatibility with Access Communications’ installed base. In particular, the new amplifiers will enable Access Communications to follow a mid-split strategy to allocate additional capacity to the upstream. They also prepare the network for future upgrades to 1.8 GHz and DOCSIS 4.0, ATX Networks says.
Access Communications’ service area stretches across 200,000 square km of rural Saskatchewan. “A not-for-profit co-operative, Access Communications is committed to enriching the broadband experience of our communities,” commented Craig Van Ham, CTO at Access Communications. “Partnering with ATX allows us to significantly expand the upstream capacity of our network, meeting the increased vocational and entertainment requirements of our customers, through a near seamless upgrade of our installed base of legacy amplifiers.”
“Access Communications’ mission to improve the quality of life for the communities it serves and helping its customers through high-performance and affordable broadband is in lockstep with ATX’s own corporate mission,” said ATX’s Chief Sales Officer, Jeff Liening. “We couldn’t be more pleased to offer our customers a friction-free upgrade path that will enable them to meet the needs of their subscribers for decades to come.”
ATX is working closely with its stocking distribution partner Digicomm International to ensure it meets the deployment schedule (see "ATX, Digicomm team to distribute MSO outside plant equipment").
Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director & Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, DOCSIS technology, and more.