Puntonet selects Calix to transform its network for delivery of advanced broadband services

Calix (NYSE: CALX), a global leader in access innovation, is helping residents across Ecuador experience faster and more reliable broadband services via Calix E7 Ethernet Service Access Platforms (ESAP). Working with Ecuador’s third largest communications service provider Puntonet, through local Calix channel partner FIS Soluciones, Calix has enabled Puntonet to deliver voice and high-speed data services using gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology to support the service provider’s network transformation throughout the capital city of Quito and beyond. Puntonet currently serves 37,000 subscribers, with a small fraction served by fiber connections. The company aims to transform its network and the Ecuadorean broadband market through the deployment of more fiber, with the goal of nearly doubling its total number of residential subscribers over the next few years through introduction of IPTV services, as well as business services expansion.

Initially offering residential broadband services via an Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) technology, Puntonet sought to move to GPON technology, which it considered to be more manageable and reliable. Following successful completion of a testing phase which validated its assumptions, Puntonet moved forward with its first GPON project targeted at 2000 subscribers. This initial deployment includes the Calix E7-20 multi-terabit ESAP in the data center and a number of Calix E7-2s modular ESAPs distributed throughout the network. In conjunction with the E7s, Puntonet will also install Calix T-Series ONTs, including the T073G, which streamlines installation and removes the need for an additional wireless router.

“The implementation of the Calix platform has allowed us to vastly improve the broadband experience of our residential customers through stable and high-speed broadband access,” said Katherin Miño, COO and general manager of Puntonet. “With GPON in place, we have been able to extend our FTTH deployment and consider a range of new cloud-enhanced services to roll out to our customers. As we look forward, the possibilities of IPTV services and the power of Carrier Class Wi-Fi from the Calix GigaCenters will allow us to differentiate even further from the competition and transform the connected lifestyle of Ecuador’s residents.”

Andy Lockhart, senior vice president, international sales at Calix, said: “Latin America is a very healthy and growing market for the Calix E-Series and T-Series solutions. Device-enabled subscribers are creating more demand for advanced broadband services, which is driving the decisions of service providers like Puntonet as they embark on their network transformation projects. We are seeing similar trends across the continent and will continue to work with these forward-looking providers to bring fiber-based services to residents and businesses alike.”

Puntonet is the first Calix customer in Ecuador, but Calix access technologies are behind a large number of successful networks and broadband services throughout Latin America, including implementations in Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and now Ecuador.
Calix solutions and success stories from Latin America will be highlighted at the Calix booth #18 at the FTTH Conference Latin America, March 17-20, Santiago, Chile.