Alltel expands relationships with Calix, Adtran

Calix and Adtran announced today that they both have been selected by Alltel as DSLAM suppliers for the carrier’s buildout of broadband services.

For Calix, the contract is an extension and an expansion. The vendor already supplies Alltel with remote DSLAMs and central office-based loop carriers. Under the deal announced today, its C7 ultra-broadband loop carrier will be used in CO-based DSLAM applications.

Adtran will be supplying its Total Access HDX, Total Access 1200 mini-DSLAMs, Total Access 1100 OSP DSLAMs for CO, remote terminal and outside plant locations, respectively. Previously the company had been providing DSLAMs for data aggregation purposes.

The contract provides evidence that the CO-based DSLAM market, which has long been considered the domain of Alcatel, is still viable for smaller vendors.

"That market is really picking up steam and it’s in a much more sustainable position than it was four years ago," said Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing for Calix.

Alltel will use both vendors’ equipment to expand its DSL reach. However, both vendors have the capability to offer triple-play services over their equipment. Alltel, like most of the larger independent operating companies, has remained tight lipped about its video plans, though.