Dark Fiber

TMCnet Contributor

Occam Networks announced that Polar Communications will begin deploying a full FTTH network using its platform in a bid to serve the increased demand for voice, high-speed data and video services in North Dakota and portions of Minnesota.

Polar provides telecommunications in North Dakota and Minnesota. The company offers local, long distance, and cellular telephone, digital cable TV, high speed Internet services including DSL and wireless, key systems, pagers and alarm systems.

For the company, the service and operational requirements increased over the past six years. Polar officials said that it realized that its long term FTTN strategy would be unable to keep up with future demand. 

The solution was a shift to a FTTP strategy that began two years ago and will continue with the current Occam deployment. Additionally, Polar is also implementing Occam’s 10 Gigabit Ethernet aggregation solutions in order to accommodate the expected growth in last mile traffic.

The DSL continue to play an important role in Polar’s broadband network, and therefore, the company plans to use Occam’s BLC 6000 MSAP and the platform’s common OS to simplify the hybrid copper, FTTP and 10 Gigabit aggregation network.

“Our long term strategy is to continue a steady FTTH build, and when we are finished, go back and replace our original FTTN infrastructure by extending fiber to the home,” David Dunning, general manager and CEO at Polar Communications, said. 

The company has already purchased Occam equipment to upgrade two larger exchanges to GPON next year. “We plan to offer a triple play services to our subscribers and Occam access equipment is a critical part of that strategy,” Dunning said. 

Leveraging Occam Networks' broadband access solutions, service providers can offer new voice, data and video services over copper and fiber. Occam systems deliver flexibility and scalability in a Triple Play (News - Alert) world. 

Noting that entertainment services such as IPTV, video on demand and streaming media are driving upgrade strategies for service providers such as Polar, Juan Vela (News - Alert), director of marketing and strategy at Occam, said that consumers can enjoy a wide range of communication and entertainment services while service providers achieve rapid returns on their broadband investments as they transition to FTTP with Occam’s solutions.