LightSpeed Technologies, Inc., a full-service networking systems integrator, who notably was awarded as Nokia’s 2021 Top Business Partner (VAR), today announced it was selected by a major utility in the state of Tennessee to deliver a multi-million-dollar gigabit passive optical network (GPON), enabling fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services for the utility's municipal customers.
According to a press statement, the IP core network under construction by LightSpeed is comprised primarily of Nokia 7750 routers. When complete, the network will enable the utility to deliver fully fiber-optic, symmetrical broadband Internet access to its customers.
Case history
As an independent agency of a major city in the state of Tennessee, LightSpeed’s customer provides electric, natural gas, water, and wastewater services to more than 470,000 customers.
The LightSpeed-provided GPON network is set to be delivered in a multi-phase approach.
Following current electrical lines, phase one consists of the network backbone deployment, with phase two designed to expand the network roll-out to different areas, until the network covers the entire region -- with the goal of service being ready to begin in the fall of this year.
When complete, the utility will be able to offer municipal broadband services to its customers, including standard triple play internet, TV and voice services.
Bridging the digital divide
According to the integrator, bridging the digital divide with more affordable broadband solutions throughout Tennessee and its surrounding areas is an important goal for the local municipality, where there are approximately 8,000 people without access to more than one wired provider, and over 4,000 people without access to a wired connection capable of delivering 25 Mbps.
LightSpeed’s stated mission is to assist customers in achieving best-in-class solutions for their networks. Founded in 2001, the company specializes in providing end-to-end network services and support, including network design and engineering, installation and integration services, project management, ongoing maintenance, and technical support.
The LightSpeed team has a track record of accomplishments spanning over two decades of fiber-optic innovation, including being named Nokia’s top performing business partner from 2017-2019, and again in 2021.
“We are thrilled to be selected by this customer to expand their utility services with state-of-the-art broadband capabilities, further enabling them to provide their municipality customers with affordable Internet, voice and TV services,” concluded John Brannon, CEO of LightSpeed Technologies. “Based on our long-standing industry experience and wealth of broadband knowledge, we look forward to partnering with other utilities and co-ops to assist with their GPON projects.”