Circle Fiber to deploy GPON, XGS-PON for FTTP in Southeast Missouri with Nokia
Nokia says it is supplying elements of its GPON and XGS-PON portfolios to Circle Fiber, a new operating unit of Big River Communications, for a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network in Cape Girardeau County, MO. The deployment, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Broadband ReConnect Program, will see FTTP deployed to homes, businesses, farms, schools, hospitals, and government agencies within Circle Fiber’s service footprint.
The FTTP network will reach approximately 125,000 homes and complement a fixed wireless access LTE deployment, says Nokia. The technology developer will supply its Lightspan FX series platforms for the project. At the customer premises, Nokia will support deployment of mesh WiFi capabilities.
“Your internet connection is only as good as your weakest link and it doesn’t make sense to deliver high-speed internet connection to a wireless router that is not capable of taking advantage of the higher speeds,” explained Chris Simmons, president of Circle Fiber, on this last point. “Nokia’s broadband solution complemented by its Wi-Fi Mesh technology delivers seamless coverage and an amazing streaming and internet experience to everyone in all areas of the home or office.
“The Circle Fiber team lives in these communities, and we are committed to providing the fiber infrastructure and broadband services that will help the people and businesses in the area thrive,” Simmons continued. “Nokia has the right mix of technology, services, and desire to better our communities that aligns with our corporate values to bridge the digital divide for everyone in the region that we serve. We already had previous experience working with the Nokia team on our wireless deployment, and they are our true partners on this journey.”
“Getting access to high-speed broadband internet has been a challenge for the people who live and work in rural Southern Missouri. The pandemic has further revealed that broadband is critical to enabling remote learning, working from home, telehealth, and more,” commented Dwain Hahs, the mayor of Jackson, MO. “Circle Fiber and Nokia are coming through for our citizens by deploying a fiber-to-the-premises network that will bring value for our communities for many years to come.”
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About the Author
Stephen Hardy
Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
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, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.