Occam Networks to supply Mountain Rural Telephone’s broadband stimulus fiber project

NOVEMBER 2, 2010 -- Occam Networks Inc. (Nasdaq:OCNW) says that Mountain Rural Telephone Cooperative Corporation (MRTC) has chosen the system vendor’s BLC 6000 multiservice access platform (MSAP) to deliver high-speed broadband services across four counties in Eastern Kentucky. A combination of first-round Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) grants and loans, totaling $78.1 million, will fund the fiber-based FTTX network that, once completed, will reach over 15,000 businesses and residences.

“Bringing an advanced, fiber network to this area of the state will be critical to ensuring economic development and an improved quality of life for residents,” said Allen Gillum, general manager, Mountain Rural Telephone. “After working closely together with Occam over the past three years, it is clear that the company has the same level of commitment to advancing rural development as we do. As a trusted partner, Occam’s vast experience with rural providers and responsiveness to our needs has been invaluable to our efforts, as well as our subscribers, and will continue to be critical throughout the fiber project.”

Located in a mountainous area with little existing infrastructure, MRTC’s fiber network will serve Morgan, Elliott, Menifee and Wolfe Counties. The area is currently underserved and has broadband usage rates well below the rest of the state; however, when the planned 20-Mbps service becomes available, subscribers will be able to take full advantage of high-speed broadband. In addition to driving economic development for local businesses, the network build is also creating new employment opportunities within the community, many of which will continue past the completion of the network, Occam Networks asserts.

“Throughout the broadband stimulus process, our service provider customers have been ambitious in developing large-scale network projects that improve both the economy and educational experience of their communities,” said Juan Vela, Director, Solutions Marketing and Strategy for Occam Networks. “MRTC is another standout example of this dedication to enabling social and economic growth within the region. With their planned fiber network, MRTC will advance the communications services of the area and provide the needed infrastructure to support new services as they arise for years to come.”

Occam Networks recently announced it had agreed to be acquired by Calix.

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