October 17, 2005 Minneapolis, MN -- GPON provider Optical Solutions(OSI) has been awarded a contract with Telepak Networks of Jackson, Mississippi, to deploy that state's first FTTH network. According to a press release, residents of Roxie, approximately 80 miles south of Jackson, will receive a triple-play broadband offering of voice, data, and IPTV video services starting later this year.
Telepak Networks is a diversified communications company serving small-town Mississippi with Internet, telecommunications, cable TV, and network services. The company maintains nearly 1,800 miles of fiber-optic backbone infrastructure, which it is leveraging in this FTTH build-out.
"We have a 50-year history serving small communities in Mississippi, and we're eager to continue that tradition by being the first to introduce an advanced network that will not only enrich peoples' lives, but create new economic opportunities as well," comments Steven Meadows, sales manager at Telepak Networks.
Meadows also noted that Telepak's transition from aerial to buried cable is fortuitous in light of the Gulf States' recent hurricanes. "Most telephone and cable providers here have yet to make the transition to underground networks, so the potential for catastrophic service interruption - as seen with Katrina - remains a real threat for many residents and business owners."
Telepak will deploy Optical Solutions' FiberPath 500 GPON system, which provides bandwidth for delivery of advanced services including integrated VoIP and symmetrical high-speed data service and IPTV, as well as traditional services such as TDM voice and RF video. OSI says its GPON system is fully compliant with ITU FSAN standards.
"We applaud Telepak's dedication and service commitment to the people of Mississippi," remarks Optical Solutions President and CEO Mike Dagenais. "By introducing FTTH to underserved communities, Telepak is helping those who were once left behind get on a fast-track to greater opportunity and a better quality of life."