September 20, 2005 Minneapolis, MN -- Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative of Bemidji, Minnesota has selected APA Cables & Networks' (APACN's) fiber management platform for deployment of FTTP services. According to a press release, after an extensive pilot program over the last year, full deployment of the platform began this summer. With the platform, the co-op says it expects to introduce services to more than 20% of its residential subscribers by the end of the year.
The co-op says it selected APACN's Fiber Scalability Center (FSC) primarily because of the platform's modularity.
"We chose APACN because they were the only company that demonstrated the ability to meet our business needs in a timely and cost-effective manner," adds Vince Tyson, CTO for Paul Bunyan Telephone. "Due to the rapid advances in FTTH technology, the rules of deployment really aren't set yet. Based upon what we learned in our pilot last summer, APACN was willing to work with us, and introduced a product configuration to fit our application."
"We really worked hard to make sure the platform we deployed would be tech-friendly," continues Tyson. "The APACN cabinet is easy to use and flexible. As our clients' needs change, it is necessary to continually update and reconfigure the network. The APACN design is easy to enter and easy to work within. Our field-techs have felt comfortable with the product since the first time APACN demonstrated the solution."
In addition to supplying the co-op with selected outside plant cabinet requirements, APACN says it developed aspects of the platform in cooperation with technology providers such as Emerson Network Power, to ensure the total platform will fully meet customer requirements.
"We were pleased to work with Emerson in adapting their pedestal to support the splicing requirements of this application," explains Johnny Hill, director of product development for APACN. "It allowed Paul Bunyan to leverage their experience with existing copper technology and incorporate the fiber management solution that is required for a high-performance fiber environment."
According to APACN, based on its Fiber Distribution System, the FSC platform employs field-tested designs to maximize bend radius protection, connector access, ease of cable routing, and physical protection. The company says its line of fiber management products has been designed to comply with Telcordia's range of telecommunications standards, as well as with the unique requirements of various FTTP installations implemented by independent telephone, television, and municipal networks.