Dark Fiber

TMCnet Contributor

R-KOM has selected Alcatel-Lucent as its sole supplier for the deployment of a fiber-based access network in eastern Bavaria. In this multi-year frame agreement, R-KOM will make use Alcatel-Lucent’s (News - Alert) award-winning GPON technology.

 

GPON (Gigabit PON) is an evolution of the BPON ((Broadband PON) standard, which offers features such as higher rates, enhanced security, and choice of Layer 2 protocol. The Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) solution from Alcatel-Lucent provides features such as 2.5 Gb/s bandwidth, 20 km reach, and the most robust QoS for triple play services.

 

R-KOM has also opted for a mixed FTTB (fiber to the building) and FTTH (fiber to the home) architecture from Alcatel-Lucent in this project. Infrastructure development is set to start in the next few weeks and the first 4,000 households expected to be connected by the end of 2009. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide global network integration experience to R-KOM in this project.

 

“The combination of optical fiber networks and open business models provides cities and communities with a sound business case for long-term investment,” said Alf Henryk Wulf, chairman of the Management Board of Alcatel-Lucent in Germany. “High-speed, fiber-to-the-home networks are especially attractive for local municipalities, and our extensive network integration capabilities were key factors in gaining R-KOM’s trust in our ability to meet their needs and those of their end-users.”

 

R-KOM will connect business and private customers to the optical access network with the help of ‘Glasfaser Ostbayern’ (Fiber in eastern Bavaria). After the completion of the project, R-KOM will also be able to cable television via an RF video overlay on the same fiber-based infrastructure. The planned upgrades will provide for approximately 40,000 households in Regensburg and the surrounding area to eventually have fiber-based access connections.

 

Recently, E-Plus group (a member of the KPN group) selected the newly launched Advertising Selection Server from Alcatel-Lucent. E-Plus is using the server for its mobile advertising offering through its subsidiary Gettings. With the Gettings business model, advertisers can deliver targeted mobile advertising campaigns to all customers of the E-Plus group in an opt-in model.