Espoo, Finland – September 5, 2023 – Nokia, a global leader in telecommunications technology, has been selected by Mediacom Communications, the fifth-largest cable operator in the United States, to provide cutting-edge passive optical network (PON) solutions for their ambitious rural broadband expansion project. The strategic partnership aims to bring multi-gigabit broadband services to underserved and rural communities, with support from state and federal grant initiatives.
Mediacom, known for serving broadband to 3.3 million homes and businesses across 22 states, has chosen Nokia’s XGS-PON (10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network) systems and equipment to extend their network coverage to new geographical areas.
The deployment plan includes the utilization of Nokia’s chassis-based Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and node-based OLTs. The chassis-based OLTs will find homes in small, non-conditioned cabinets, while the node-based OLTs will be strategically positioned on strands or utility poles, designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments.
J.R. Walden, Senior Vice President of Technology and Chief Technology Officer at Mediacom, highlighted Nokia’s capability to deliver up to 25G PON technology, saying, “Nokia is supplying Mediacom systems that deliver up to 25G PON today. Their platforms effectively support our services while allowing for future growth and expansion that will help Mediacom remain both a market and industry leader in advanced, high-performance data services.”
David Eckard, Vice President of Broadband Partners at Nokia, expressed the importance of this partnership in the context of universal broadband access in the United States. He stated, “The United States is committed to ensuring that all Americans have access to the highest quality broadband services. Mediacom’s ambition to connect Rural America is critical to help bridge the digital divide in our communities, and Nokia is proud to have been selected as its partner. Through our onshoring of critical 10G fiber solutions and optical modules to the United States, Nokia will be ready to support operators seeking funding, and to connect more people, sooner.”
Jaimie Lenderman, Research Manager & Principal Analyst at Omdia, emphasized the significance of cable operators adopting next-generation PON technologies like XGS-PON and 25G-PON. He noted, “Cable operators are increasingly deploying FTTH for both greenfield and overbuild with next-generation PON technologies, such as XGS-PON and 25G-PON, because of their inherent energy efficiency and almost unlimited scalability, underscoring the MSO green networking strategy.”
According to Dell’Oro, Nokia is the largest provider of XGS-PON globally, and their equipment serves seven out of every ten homes in the USA with fiber connectivity. The collaboration between Nokia and Mediacom signifies a major step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring broadband access reaches even the most remote areas of the country.