ComSpan, Ledcor choose MetaSwitch

Like many smaller towns, Bandon, Ore., a coastal town of about 5000 residents, lacks for widespread broadband access. Unlike most small towns, however, Bandon is home to a facilities-based CLEC, ComSpanUSA, which is building a fiber-to-the-premises network along with its development partner, Ledcor Technical Services.

The partners announced today that they are deploying MetaSwitch VP2510 integrated softswitch technology, to deliver Internet telephony and other IP applications over its FTTP network.

“We started construction in November, we expect to turn up our first customers in a few days, and we will be completed in June,” said Chris McLorg, vice president and general manager of the CommNet Group of Ledcor, a construction company which includes network building, and which also has an equity investment in ComSpan. “This is a fiber overbuild– we have rewired the city completely with fiber.”

The network will pass about 2300 homes and based on pre-sales, ComSpan has a 40% penetration rate for its services, competing with incumbents Verizon and Charter Communications, McLorg said. “Not everyone is taking all three services,” he said. “We think it highlights the need for these kinds of services in a community like Bandon,” he said. “We have been very favorably impressed.”

McLorg said ComSpan and Ledcor chose MetaSwitch for its technology, but also its customer support.

“I particularly like the 2510 – it gives you all the functionality for a very small community – it’s a full switch with all the economies of a full switch in a price competitive package,” he said.

The VoIP service will look like primary line replacement voice to consumers, coming with E911 capabilities and battery backup.

Ledcor’s CommNet Group is choosing to partner with CLECs to bring broadband to rural communities because of the opportunity that exists, McLorg said.

“We see opportunities in other cities,” he said. “We will work with city governments, because you really need their support to make this happen.”