Nokia on Oct. 4 announced that Nextlink Internet, a self-described rural-based and rural-focused broadband operator in the U.S., has chosen the company's XGS-PON solution to support network growth, connecting 200,000 homes and businesses in rural and exurban communities in its seven existing and five new states.
Investing in its network expansion, Nextlink is adding Texas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Wyoming and Louisiana to its footprint. The company is also expanding its reach into unserved and underserved areas in the states it already operates, including Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa and South Dakota.
Nextlink CEO Bill Baker commented:
“We are on a mission to connect rural America with excellent service. Nokia’s technology and systems help us do just that. The communities that Nextlink serves can rest easy, knowing that their communications networks are ready for today and generations to come.”
Nokia noted its XGS-PON technology allows Nextlink to deploy 10G broadband speeds with a simple upgrade path to 25G.
In addition, Nextlink is leveraging Nokia’s ONT Easy Start SaaS platform to speed up and simplify service provisioning in customer homes, coupled with the company's WiFi Beacon residential gateways, which power an outdoor optical network termination (ONT) over CAT 5/6 with POE+, thereby eliminating the need for localized power.
Sandy Motley, president of Nokia Fixed Networks, said:
“We are pleased to grow our partnership with Nextlink. Nextlink is deploying a system uniquely capable of delivering GPON, XGS-PON and 25G PON over a common fiber infrastructure without having to replace hardware. In addition, Nextlink will be offering Nokia’s world-class managed WiFi solution that will ensure its customers have the ultimate broadband experience anywhere in their homes.”