December 20, 2002-- Vivid Networks has selected Optical Solutions Inc. and Big Sky Communication to deploy the first fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Montana. The new network will deliver converged voice, high-speed data, and video services to more than 1,000 residents and businesses in the Baxter Meadows development in Bozeman.
"Baxter Meadows is the first 'fiber powered' community in Montana, and it will truly be a world-class place to live and work," said Brock Williams, president of Vivid Networks. Vivid, a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC) based in Billings, is deploying the network in Baxter Meadows, 150 miles west of Billings.
Vivid Networks is partnering with Big Sky Communication, a FTTH integrator, to oversee and implement the project. The CLEC has started construction of the FiberPath 400 FTTH network, which uses a passive optical network (PON) architecture to deliver converged voice, video, and data services from a central office to a customer premises. Once service is initiated, each subscriber will receive high-speed data service, multiple phone lines, and hundreds of analog and/or digital cable-TV channels. The first phase is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2003.
"This is a very exciting deployment for us," said Brian Brown, vice president of sales and service at Optical Solutions. "Baxter Meadows is providing residents with the big bandwidth only fiber can deliver, and it will be used to further economic development and community services in the area, in addition to helping residents enjoy a whole new world of entertainment."