PETALUMA, Calif. -- Calix, Inc. (NYSE:CALX) today announced that Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative (PRTC) of Walterboro, SC is moving "Fiber Forward" in its network, deploying the Calix E7 Ethernet Service Access Platform (ESAP) and a variety of Calix 700GX optical network terminals (ONTs) to deliver advanced broadband services over fiber to residences, businesses, and cell towers across its two county region. Upgrading its entire network infrastructure from copper- to fiber-based services, PRTC will use gigabit passive optical network (GPON) technology to deliver some of the most advanced broadband services in North America, including a state-of-the-art IPTV experience, ultra high-speed data services capable of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps) to the home or business, and feature-rich and reliable voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) services. PRTC also plans to widely use GPON for mobile backhaul, facilitating the future delivery of advanced mobile services in the region. In total, over 9500 homes, 150 businesses, and a myriad of cell towers in the region will benefit from this seven year phased initiative.

"As we looked to the future of broadband demands in the communities that we serve, it was clear that we needed to pull 'Fiber Forward' throughout our network and replace our copper infrastructure with state-of-the-art fiber access technology," said Tony Stout, plant operations manager at PRTC. "We see Calix as the clear leader in fiber access technology and deployments, and the modular E7 and broad portfolio of Calix optical network terminals (ONTs) as well-suited for the diverse service requirements of our community. The real winners will be the residents and businesses of Colleton and Bamberg counties, who richly deserve a premium service experience as good as any big city in the country, and a flexible fiber access infrastructure capable of continuing to meet their emerging demands far, far into the future."

Calix Inc. (NYSE: CALX)