Project Mutual Telephone picks AFC for upgrade

Advanced Fibre Communications said that Project Mutual Telephone Cooperative has deployed its TelcoVideo and UniversalDSL platforms as part of a significant upgrade project in several areas of south central Idaho.

PMT, which has more than 11,200 access lines, including 3000 cable TV customers, is using the AFC gear in several rural areas where there is no existing video-capable plant, according to Charlie Creason, president and CEO of PMT.

"The main HFC cable plant is going to remain in service," he said.

Using AFC’s platforms, however, the company will be able to deliver about 100 channels for digital video service over an IP-based network. Current customers on the HFC network receive 70 channels of analog video. The telco also is planning to deploy a video on demand server at its Rupert, Idaho, head end for VOD service. Additionally, it has been talking with neighboring ILECs on the possibility of becoming a video provider for their triple play services.

PMT, which operates as a co-op, is deploying AFC's Telliant, which acts as an IGMP multi-cast router, DSLAM, ATM edge switch, and broadband remote access server (BRAS). This deployment also will include AFC’s newest plug-in cards.

PMT will be offering a combined voice/data/video service in significant parts of its service area, including Blaine, Cassia, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka, and Twin Falls counties.