TDS extends Calix use to incumbent world

Calix today announced that TDS Telecom has expanded its use of the C7 multiservice access platform (MSAP) to include TDS’ incumbent telco territories. Previously, the company has been using the C7 only in its TDS Metrocom group, which provides CLEC services outside of its ILEC territory.

TDS, which ranks as the 11th largest telco in the U.S., is using the C7 as part of an expansion of its FTTP and high-speed copper services to business and residential subscribers. The company has started deploying fiber to the home in several communities and also recently launched a video trial in Farragut and Mt_Juliet, Tenn., according to DeAnne Boegli, manager of branding and communications for TDS.

As part of the contract, TDS will be deploying different platforms from the ones that serve its CLEC territory.

“We do have dispersed markets,” Boegli said. “Metrocom is only in a small part of our [ILEC] territory.”

TDS also is taking a slightly different approach to the FTTH market by emphasizing high-speed Internet access as the lead product as opposed to video. The Calix C7 gives the telco 200 Gbps of backplane capacity and 480 fiber or copper interfaces.