Otelco Picks BigBand

LAS VEGAS -- BigBand Networks, Inc., a leading provider of broadband multimedia infrastructure for video, voice and data, today announced that Otelco Inc. (AMEX: OTT), one of the 50 largest local exchange carriers, plans to use the BigBand Cuda12000™ CMTS (cable modem termination system) and BigBand FastFlow® BPM (Broadband Provisioning Manager). These have been selected to provide broadband Internet access, VoIP and service provisioning in the carrier’s five incumbent operations located in Alabama and Missouri.

“Otelco joins the ranks of top independent telecom operators that have selected BigBand Networks as a partner in delivering video, voice and data services over multiple types of access networks,” said Pirjo Tuomi, senior vice president of worldwide sales, BigBand Networks. “Otelco benefits from our established track record of working closely with ambitious operators to achieve economical deployments on the innovative BigBand platforms, fulfilling specific objectives and openly scaling over time for future needs.”

BigBand Networks has completed deployments of analog, digital, HD and IP television; broadband Internet and VoIP over a mix of coaxial, DSL and fiber networks for independent operators such as Comporium Communications, Hargray Communications and SureWest Communications. Otelco plans to use the Cuda12000 in its initial implementation to provide standards-based VoIP and Internet access at multiple megabits per second. The operator has also selected FastFlow BPM, BigBand Networks’ software that is designed for automated provisioning and configuration of such services to subscribers.

“We have chosen to work with BigBand Networks to assure the reliability, scalability and flexibility we demand for current and future services provided to Otelco subscribers,” said Anthony Armstrong, who is responsible for network evolution at Otelco Inc. “We are encouraged with BigBand Networks’ capabilities to proceed with us as we continue expanding the range of offered services, encompassing video, voice and data, provided over the multiple types of networks we operate.”

BigBand Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: BBND)

Otelco Inc.