July 26, 2004 Spokane Valley, WA --World Wide Packets, a provider of Ethernet access technology, today announced that its LightningEdge suite is being deployed throughout the city of Provo, UT for one of the nation's largest municipal fiber-optic service delivery networks. Recently recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the top ten "Best Places for Business and Careers," the city will offer broadband services to more than 33,000 residential and commercial premises.
A public power city, Provo originally deployed fiber-optic rings in support of an upgrade to the power distribution system in the city. Provo soon realized the rings could be used to enhance the quality of life for businesses and residences of the city. City officials selected the LightningEdge product suite, because of its ability to offer a wide range of data, voice, and video services. The cost-per-subscriber for the access equipment and fiber infrastructure to deliver a fully symmetrical, dedicated 100-Mbit/sec broadband connection for Provo's network falls under $1,500. Other fiber to the premises (FTTP) deployments can cost $3,000 per subscriber, and deliver significantly less bandwidth.
"We view the fiber network as a critical part of the city's infrastructure, as important as sewer, water, electricity and roads," said Lewis Billings, mayor of Provo. "The fiber network and the services it enables will ensure continued economic growth and vitality for Provo and we want these benefits to be extended to every business and resident in the city. World Wide Packets' LightningEdge suite was the only clear choice in terms of its ability to scale to deploy a full service residential and business network, as well as enable a triple-play strategy."
Provo has used a phased approach to its network build. The first phase of the deployment created the city's metro backbone, connecting traffic signals, government buildings, schools, and power stations. The second phase was designed as a pilot program to validate construction techniques, total cost of deployment, and gauge customer demand for the phone, Internet, and cable television services that were available over the fiber network. The success of the first two phases far exceeded expectations. The third phase of the program extends the broadband fiber-optic service delivery network to all the residences and businesses of Provo.
"Provo has unquestionably established themselves as a showcase for other public utilities, municipalities, and incumbent carriers from around the world. The scale of the deployment and range of possible services that are being delivered to subscribers represents an unprecedented level of achievement," said Dave Curry, president and chief executive of World Wide Packets. "The detailed analysis, testing, and verification they have completed in support of the fiber network project has proven to be a catalyst that others are using to accelerate their own projects and also demonstrates the power of the LightningEdge solution to meet these rigorous demands. World Wide Packets is proud to be a business partner helping Provo offer world-class services and capabilities to its residents and
businesses."