Tbaytel, a telecommunications systems provider in Northern Ontario, Canada, has selected the Calix B6 Ethernet Service Access Node (ESAN) from Calix Inc. for its launch of advanced IPTV services. Tbaytel will leverage VDSL2 and Active Ethernetfiber access technology to bring Microsoft Mediaroom-powered video services to residential subscribers in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“As we expand our residential offerings to include Digital TV, Calix has proven to be the right partner,” says Don Campbell, president and CEO of Tbaytel. “The flexibility of its Unified Access portfolio, strong technical support, and experience with Microsoft Mediaroom deployments positions us to provide our subscribers in Northern Ontario with a world-class entertainment experience.”
Tbaytel has been deploying the B6 ESAN for four years, and has been delivering high-speed Internet services over ADSL to its customers since 2006. Anticipating subscriber demand for an enhanced video experience, Tbaytel embarked on developing an IPTV strategy that included the Calix B6, leveraging the platform’s simplified transition path to new access technologies that could meet the high-bandwidth demands of this new service.
Tbaytel has decided to move forward with this technology for its advanced IPTV deployment, having tested the performance of VDSL2 and Active Ethernet on the B6 ESANs in its own network. The focus of the deployment will primarily be VDSL2, but Active Ethernet will be used in parts of the city where the copper plant is being retired.
Tbaytel’s IPTV platform, powered by Microsoft Mediaroom, will provide customers with compelling and differentiated features, including “whole home” personal video recording (PVR), high-definition television (HDTV), instant channel change, an enhanced program guide with picture-in-picture support, and an array of interactive applications. Service bundles offered to residential customers in Thunder Bay, Ontario, will include mobility, Digital TV, high-speed Internet, telephone, and home security services. In addition, Tbaytel will provide video on demand (VOD), a digital channel lineup with HDTV programming, and specialty channels.
“We congratulate Tbaytel on its vision and commitment to bring one of the most advanced entertainment experiences in North America to the citizens of Northern Ontario,” says John Colvin, vice president of field operations at Calix. “We are honored that Tbaytel has given Calix technology a lead role in bringing these advanced services to its subscribers. With over 400 customers offering commercial video services today and deep expertise in Microsoft Mediaroom deployments, we look forward to working closely with Tbaytel in making this ambitious initiative a success.”
Calix is exhibiting the B6 Ethernet Service Access Node and other systems within the Calix Unified Access portfolio at the 2011 CITA Telecommunications Showcase at the Hilton Suites Toronto/Markham Conference Centre in Markham, Ontario, Canada during exhibition hours on March 7 and 8 at Calix Booths 102 and 103.