FEBRUARY 18, 2009 -- Infinera's (search for Infinera) DTN Digital Optical Networking system has been accepted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program as acceptable for deployment by telecom companies using USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) funding to build networks.
The USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Under that umbrella, the Rural Development Telecommunications program provides loans and grants to support the extension of broadband networks into rural areas and to support distance learning and telemedicine initiatives. Last month, President Obama's new Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, announced that utilities in 13 states will receive $18.1 million in loans and grants under the Rural Development program.
Based on Infinera's large-scale photonic integrated circuits, the Infinera DTN brings the speed and flexibility of the digital paradigm to optical networks, say company representatives. According to Infinera, the scalability, flexibility, and ease of operation of its networks make them an excellent option for rural communities seeking to deliver broadband access and advanced services to homes, businesses, schools, colleges, or hospitals.
"Our customers have found that once you provide broadband access to consumers, businesses, or local agencies that didn't have it before, bandwidth demands can escalate at rapid rates," reports Infinera chief marketing and strategy officer Dave Welch. "The scalability and simplicity of Infinera's Digital Optical Networks make it a great fit for rural communities."
Infinera defines its DTN as a Digital ROADM for long-haul and metro core networks, combining high-capacity DWDM transport, integrated digital bandwidth management, and GMPLS-powered service intelligence in a single platform.
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