Wave7's Last Mile Link system delivers triple play services in utility's FTTP network
6 January 2004 Atlanta, GA Lightwave--Columbus Telephone Company, a customer-owned and operated utility in the southeast corner of Kansas, is deploying Wave7 Optic's Last Mile Link technology in a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network that will reach almost 3400 subscribers. Construction of the optical network will begin this month, and is expected to be completed in the the fourth quarter of 2004.
The Last Mile Link is an IP and Ethernet standards-based advanced optical access system that provides all traditional "carrier-grade" telephone services, high-speed data and both analog and digital video (including IP streaming video). It uses standard data, telephone and CATV interfaces at its customer premise devices accommodating existing home and business telephone, television and computer systems, meaning customers do not have to buy new equipment to get on the new network.
"We call this project our 'broadband voyage of discovery," said Jim Dahmen, general manager of Columbus Telephone Co. "This new network represents our commitment to offer our existing customers the ultimate in services and to encourage businesses and people to move here - removed from urban problems, yet connected like no one else. We want to utilize the Wave7 broadband technology to create an environment conducive to having decision makers ask the question: 'Why not take a look at Columbus, Kansas as a place to do business?' With a network featuring buried fiber-optic plant to schools, businesses, and homes and voice over Internet protocol switching, we are positioned to keep pace with all the innovations in the telecommunications arena for the foreseeable future."
Because of the inherent high-bandwidth capabilities of fiber optics and Wave7's unique architectural cost advantages, Columbus Telephone Co. can provide each of its customers with access speeds ranging from 256-kbit/sec to 500-Mbit/sec symmetrical service, unlike asymmetrical services where download speeds far exceed upload speeds.
Monte R. Lee and Company of Oklahoma City, which managed the request for proposals (RFPs) for this project, are also managing the construction phase. Utility Contracting Co. of Jefferson City, MO is the contractor for this FTTP project.
Columbus Telephone Company was created in 1905 by Columbus citizens. As a cooperative, the members are dedicated to providing the optimum in service and in the last 15 years the company has migrated from a cross-bar switch to digital, installed fiber-optic toll service to all major inter-exchange carriers, installed high speed Internet, and now FTTP, cable TV service, and VoIP services.
Separately this month, Wave7 Optics is participating in a demonstration of the latest broadband services at the Home by Design Show House in Las Vegas. The Last Mile Link network system will be used to demonstrate the most advanced broadband services available today as part of the prestigious Home by Design Show House @ The Stardust, during the month of January. The show home will be available for viewing and tours from January 8-30, 2004, during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the International Builder's Show (IBS) and the Surfaces trade shows.
The Last Mile Link will deliver video entertainment -- including HDTV, video on demand and personal video recording -- high speed Internet access; and IP telephony service as part of a network deployed by cable provider Cox Communications. The show house project emphasizes "everyman's broadband" and "real-life connectivity," which means integrating broadband connectivity with the home's communication, entertainment, computing, and home energy/automation systems.