Calix announced that Roanoke Connect has selected a complete end-to-end Calix portfolio to build North Carolina’s first 10G network and provide an end user experience. First, the AXOS platform and intelligent access EDGE will enable Roanoke Electric Cooperative subsidiaries to build a simplified XGS-PON fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, quickly start services, and reduce 50% operating costs compared to industry standard network operation solutions. Then, the rural cooperative will use the most advanced GigaSpire BLAST system as a digital site to provide users with a set of tailor-made suites and applications, thereby gaining revenue advantages and providing users with the ultimate experience. This successful merger will make Roanoke Connect the leading communications service provider (CSP) in North Carolina and enable it to grow rapidly.

Roanoke Connect’s project started in 2016, when it began to provide members with critical broadband services. At first, the cooperative began to deploy fixed wireless, but after reassessing the availability of grant funds to support FTTH deployment, it took into account the significant cost of continuous maintenance of 100% fixed wireless deployment, and recognized the performance improvement and longevity of FTTH. It deployed Smart Access Edge and Service Management Connector (SMx) to simplify network operations and maximize service startup efficiency. The AXOS platform provides flexible bandwidth options, enabling cooperatives to choose the PON technology that meets their needs. However, when it recognized the need for advanced network management, the work accelerated.

Roanoke Electric has always been proud of using technology to reduce operating costs, and was one of the first utility companies to use smart thermostats and water heaters. By owning and operating its own broadband network, Roanoke Connect can manage these devices with the second-generation GigaSpire BLAST system. These systems establish a fully managed virtual site in each family, while enabling them to reduce the use of support-related personnel and vehicles by up to 66%, based on the current Calix support cloud customers.