THUNDER BAY – Calix, Inc. (NYSE:CALX) today announced that Tbaytel, has selected the Calix B6 Ethernet Service Access Node (ESAN) for its launch of advanced IPTV services. Tbaytel will leverage powerful VDSL2 and Active Ethernet fiber access technology to bring Microsoft Mediaroom powered video services to residential subscribers in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
“It has always been Tbaytel’s mission to anticipate our customer needs and provide the best solutions as a service provider,” says Don Campbell, president & CEO of Tbaytel. “As we expand our residential offerings to include Digital TV, Calix has proven to be the right partner. The flexibility of their Unified Access portfolio, their strong technical support, and their experience with Microsoft Mediaroom deployments positions us to provide our subscribers in Northern Ontario with a world-class entertainment experience.”
Tbaytel has been deploying the B6 ESAN for four years, and has been delivering high-speed Internet services over ADSL to its customers since 2006. Anticipating subscriber demand for an enhanced video experience, Tbaytel embarked on developing an IPTV strategy that included the Calix B6, leveraging the platform’s simplified transition path to new access technologies that could meet the high bandwidth demands of this new service.
Having now tested the performance of VDSL2 and Active Ethernet on the B6 ESANs in their own network, Tbaytel has decided to move forward with this technology for its advanced IPTV deployment. The focus of the deployment will primarily be VDSL2, but Active Ethernet will be used parts of the city where the copper plant is being retired. Tbaytel’s IPTV platform, powered by Microsoft Mediaroom, will provide customers with a host of compelling and differentiated features, including “whole home” personal video recording (PVR), high-definition television (HDTV), instant channel change, an enhanced program guide with picture-in-picture support, and an array of interactive applications. Service bundles offered to residential customers in Thunder Bay, Ontario will include mobility, Digital TV, high-speed Internet, telephone and home security services. In addition, Tbaytel will provide video on demand (VOD), a fully digital channel lineup with HDTV programming, and specialty channels.
“We congratulate Tbaytel on its vision and commitment to bring one of the most advanced entertainment experiences in North America to the citizens of Northern Ontario,“ said John Colvin, vice president of field operations at Calix. “We are honored that Tbaytel has given Calix technology a lead role in bringing these advanced services to its subscribers. With over 400 customers offering commercial video services today and deep expertise in Microsoft Mediaroom deployments, we look forward to working closely with Tbaytel in making this ambitious initiative a success.”