Polar Communications Deploys Active Ethernet in North Dakota

PETALUMA, CA ? Polar Communications, the incumbent local exchange carrier for more than 12,000 subscribers in North Dakota and Minnesota, is now delivering fiber-based broadband services using Calix 716GE-I indoor optical network terminals (ONTs) and B6 Ethernet Service Access Nodes (ESANs).

Polar is targeting more than 1,000 homes in Cavalier, N.D., with active Ethernet technology deployed across the B6 ESAN and terminated inside the subscriber's home on the 716GE-I. Subscribers will receive ultra-high-speed data, advanced IPTV and VOIP services, delivered via a GENBAND C15 Compact Softswitch (formerly known as the Nortel C1500).

Calix points to this new deployment, along with several other recent deployments, as evidence of its success in integrating Occam's BLC 6000 platform into its portfolio. Occam's platform, which was renamed the B6 ESAN when Calix acquired Occam in February 2011, is working successfully with Calix's 700GE/GX family of ONTs and is provisioned using Calix Management System (CMS) Release 11.2.

"Polar is extremely excited to benefit from the now expanded and truly integrated Unified Access portfolio," says David Dunning, general manager and CEO of Polar. "The combination of being able to leverage our existing C15 Softswitch with the B6 ESAN, which we already have deployed across our network, and benefit from the unique features of the 716GE-I indoor ONT, provides an extremely powerful option for us. The real winners are our member subscribers, who receive a truly compelling broadband services experience across one of the nation's most advanced broadband infrastructures."