On August 7, the rural electric cooperative coalition Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) announced that it has selected Arista Networks as the routing and switching equipment provider for AFN’s major broadband expansion project.
The project, supported by the State of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, will deliver a 6,600-mile open access, middle-mile network extending to each of Alabama’s 67 counties.
Ashwin Kohli, Arista Networks’ chief customer officer, called the project a significant step towards enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion across the region.
“Both AFN and Arista are driven by a shared purpose of leveraging technology to create positive change. We are honored to be a part of this transformative initiative,” said Kohli in a press release.
Arista reported that AFN has selected its high-performance 7280SR3 platform and will leverage its CloudVision platform and professional services.
Terry Metze, CEO of AFN, said in the same press release, “Through AFN’s middle-mile network, last-mile providers will have the bandwidth they need to bring high-speed broadband to rural Alabamians. This network will not only boost economic development but also improve access to healthcare and education. We are building a best-in-class network that offers the highest levels of performance and security. Arista’s technology is the perfect choice to help AFN achieve these standards.”
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