Calix Intelligent Access EDGE Executes the Industry’s First Live Access Network Upgrade With Zero Subscriber Downtime

Antietam Broadband performed a live critical network upgrade—with zero network downtime—in minutes thanks to the Calix Intelligent Access EDGE platform, simplifying operations and eliminating related OPEX for uninterrupted delivery of Calix managed services and an amazing subscriber experience

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today at ConneXions 2022, Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) and Schurz Communications, Inc. (Schurz) announced that Antietam Broadband (Antietam) performed the industry’s first-ever live network upgrade with their Calix Intelligent Access EDGE™ platform, resulting in zero downtime and no subscriber interruption. The system upgrade to the Calix Always On system took less than 10 minutes per OLT with 60 percent labor savings—and 100 percent less downtime for subscribers. Only weeks before, Antietam’s upgrade to another vendor’s solution took five nights of midnight shifts spread over two weeks—with up to an hour of subscriber outage time each night. Antietam also had to touch every subscriber ONT and reset every system in the field manually. The Calix Always On system, however, eliminated the need for Antietam to individually touch its thousands of subscriber ONTs—greatly simplifying operations and reducing upgrade-related OPEX. In addition, Antietam can automate future upgrades for greater efficiency, scalability, and reliability—and further OPEX reductions.

“We partner with Calix because of their unceasing dedication to continually deliver innovations that translate into an amazing experience for our subscribers,” said Tom Williams, chief technology officer of Schurz Communications, the parent company of Antietam Broadband. “Too many broadband service providers focus on speed but, in today’s environment, focusing on speed alone is not enough to break away from the competition. The key to differentiating lies in service, efficiency, and experience. Calix delivers the innovative platforms like Intelligent Access EDGE that enable our own service providers to stand apart. Our Antietam live network upgrade is the perfect example of the service and efficiency that translate into a seamless subscriber experience.”

“The live network upgrade we achieved far exceeded our expectations for success,” said Brandon Smith, network operations analyst at Antietam Broadband, which serves rural Central Maryland. “Honestly, it was too easy. Calix engineers were on hand to walk us through the process and give us the insights and confidence we needed, because we had never done anything like this before. And then, it was done in minutes and not a single subscriber experienced any outage. The Intelligent Access EDGE delivers the simplicity, reliability, and automation that every network operations team needs to continue improving the subscriber experience.”

“This is an unrivaled global industry milestone,” said Shane Eleniak, executive vice president, products, at Calix. “Over the last 11 years we have invested more than a billion dollars to develop the platforms and services that are transforming the industry. This groundbreaking live network upgrade is the ultimate proof point for the power of the Calix Always On network and Intelligent Access EDGE platform. We will continue to invest in developing industry-first platforms and services that enable our customers to simplify their business, excite subscribers, and grow value for themselves and their communities.”

Discover the power of the platform and how the Calix Intelligent Access EDGE can transform a service provider’s business, operations, and value to become a giant in their community.

About Calix

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX)—Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission: To enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix’s results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.