Gibson EMC Launches Calix AXOS E7-2 GPON and Calix Cloud Solutions

PETALUMA, CA — Gibson Electric Membership Corporation (Gibson EMC) has selected Calix AXOS and Calix Cloud solutions for its fiber-based gigabit services network in Tennessee and Kentucky. Gibson EMC launched Gibson Connect in late 2017 to provide broadband services to unserved and underserved communities in their electric service area, which covers over 39,000 homes and businesses in 12 counties. Since that time, their GPON-based fiber network has been quickly expanding across its service area built on the Calix AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular System, GigaCenters, and Calix Support Cloud. With Gibson Connect now bringing world-class gigabit services to these markets, adoption rates have already exceeded expectations.

Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act
Gibson Connect’s entrance to the broadband market was a result of the passing of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Act in 2017, which allowed electric cooperatives to offer retail broadband services for the first time. Recognizing the need for broadband from their members, Gibson Connect divided its service area into 27 zones. Pre-registration opened to its members in the fall of 2017 and set forth participation goals for each zone. In less than six months, three zones have reached their registration goals, and work has begun to serve these areas along with an area supported by a Tennessee broadband grant. Over 5500 members have pre-registered across the 27 zones, and new registrations are being completed every day.

Like Gibson Connect, any utility that is launching broadband services can leap ahead of the competition by building their networks with the world’s only Software Defined Access (SDA) platform – AXOS. In addition to deploying a next generation network that is fast, simple, and always on, they also gain the benefit of:

• Pay-as-you-succeed: Gibson Connect will keep initial costs low as they roll out their network by only paying for the AXOS software that they are actively utilizing while leveraging the modularity of the E7-2 to expand capacity as they add new subscribers.


• Always Innovating: Calix will add significant new functionality to the AXOS platform throughout 2018 and beyond, enabling service providers to collapse central office functions onto one platform. As Calix adds new automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to the platform, Gibson Connect can keep their network on the leading-edge through simple software upgrades.

Gibson Connect is implementing a future-proof network that has enabled them to deliver new services at the fastest pace possible while ensuring that operations remain simple and always on. Gibson Connect has gone a step further by also deploying Calix Support Cloud and GigaFamily premises systems to ensure carrier class reliability within their subscribers’ homes. With the remote management capabilities of Calix Cloud and the GigaFamily, they can proactively troubleshoot subscriber issues and provide an exceptional experience for their subscribers.