DZS (Nasdaq: DZSI), a global leader of access, optical and
AI-driven cloud software solutions, and its strategic partner Irby
Utilities (Irby) today announced that they are working with
Connect2First, a subsidiary of First Electric Cooperative, and the
City of Cabot, Arkansas to build the first city-owned high speed
fiber internet and telephony network in Arkansas. The City of Cabot
and Connect2First are leveraging Irby’s broadband network planning
and deployment expertise along with cutting-edge DZS Access and
Subscriber Edge fiber access solutions to bring 10 gigabit per
second symmetrical passive optical networking (XGS-PON) driven
next-generation digital communications services to the over 26,000
residents and businesses of Cabot.
Hundreds of subscribers are already receiving world-class
broadband connectivity from this multi-gigabit services capable
network that will pass the entire community with over 220 miles of
fiber. This groundbreaking $20 million project, which is being
completely locally funded with no federal or state subsidies and
recently was awarded the “Plan of the Year” from the Arkansas
Chapter of the American Planning Association, sets the stage for
other rural municipalities in Arkansas and around the country to
implement similar projects.
“This unique project is the first of its kind in the state of
Arkansas where a municipality has built its own fiber network and
partnered with a local ISP to provide high speed fiber optic
internet services to its constituents,” said City of Cabot Mayor
Ken Kincade. “The City of Cabot is thrilled to be able to leverage
the proven expertise of Connect2First, who already had a
presence in the city and was currently serving surrounding areas
with a highly regarded and reliable service. Our goal is to bring a
world-class experience to our citizens, businesses and anchor
institutions, and so when Connect2First shared that both Irby and
DZS had been key contributors to their success to date, it was an
easy choice to bring them both into our project for consistency and
peace-of-mind.”
“It is inspirational to see forward-thinking, can-do rural
municipalities like the City of Cabot come up with innovative ways
to bring to their residents and businesses extraordinary
communications services and experiences,” said Candace Looper,
Director of Sales and Marketing, Connect2First. “We take a great
deal of pride in helping the City of Cabot bridge the digital
divide and improve the quality of life for their constituents.”
“The City of Cabot and Connect2First are raising the bar when it
comes to deploying the latest fiber-based technology in rural
areas,” said Patrick Reams, VP of Technology & Communications,
Irby. “We have worked closely with DZS on this and nearly a dozen
other strategic projects, passing nearly half a million homes
around the U.S. with high-quality broadband services. Our team is
excited about this initiative between a municipality and its
regional public utility. We look forward to others following the
outstanding model that the City of Cabot and Connect2First have
implemented leveraging our expertise and DZS technology.”
“The City of Cabot and Connect2First are using DZS technology to
bring among the fastest multi-gigabit internet speeds possible to
their customers via their cutting-edge network,” said Gunter Reiss,
DZS Chief Customer Officer AEMEA. “Irby and DZS have developed a
stellar track record of successful broadband deployments among
electric cooperatives and municipalities across the U.S. where we
bring best-in-class broadband and economic opportunity to rural and
remote communities. We are honored to be part of this award-winning
initiative and look forward to its continued success.”
DZS and Irby are working closely with Connect2First and the City
of Cabot to strategically plan and rapidly deploy cutting-edge
Access and Subscriber Edge solutions as part of the new fiber
network. This includes:
- DZS Velocity
Broadband Access Edge systems.
This project uses DZS Velocity V14, V6, and V2 multi-terabit and
environmentally hardened Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) optical line
terminals (OLTs). The Velocity portfolio features line cards that
support multi-gigabit services leveraging gigabit passive optical
networking (GPON), XGS-PON and 10-gigabit point-to-point Ethernet
technologies.
- DZS Helix
Subscriber Edge solutions. This
project uses DZS Helix 5222 XGS-PON ONTs and 1664 WiFi 6 EasyMesh
access points to provide wired connectivity within the home and
business as well as whole-home WiFi coverage.
DZS and Irby prepare electric cooperatives, municipalities and
other broadband innovators for the future of broadband. Their
systems, which feature industry-leading capacity, future-ready
performance and open architectures, aim to accommodate multi-vendor
scenarios and emerging service demands seamlessly. DZS and Irby
have also demonstrated an exceptional track record of supporting
their mutual customers to leverage government programs like RDOF,
the CARES Act, ReConnect loans and grants, and Capital Projects
Funds to jumpstart their business plans and position their
communities for a hyper-connected world.
To learn more about DZS, visit https://www.dzsi.com.
About The City of Cabot
With its convenient location in Central Arkansas, the City of
Cabot is just 30 minutes away from the State’s Capital. This
provides the community with access to all of the resources in a
major metropolitan area while retaining the charm of a small town.
Steeped in history, the City strategically balances the
revitalization of our historic downtown with the innovation of
technology for the future. A thriving business community,
exceptional school district, vibrant quality of life and a
progressive city leadership continues to make Cabot one of the
fastest-growing areas in Arkansas.
About First Electric Cooperative
Corporation
First Electric Cooperative Corporation is a not-for-profit
electric distribution cooperative that was incorporated in 1937 as
the first electric cooperative in Arkansas. First Electric
energized its first power lines in April 1938 near Jacksonville,
Arkansas, with three employees and 150 members. Today, First
Electric serves more than 100,000 member accounts throughout parts
of 18 counties in central and southeast Arkansas. It owns and
maintains more than 10,100 miles of distribution power lines, over
201,000 power poles, over 106,000 meters and 46 substations. First
Electric is the second-largest distribution cooperative in Arkansas
and one of the 33 largest among over 900 electric cooperatives in
the US.
About Irby Utilities
Irby Utilities is a leading fulfillment and solutions provider
for utility and utility contracting marketplaces. Pairing its
nearly 100 years of utility experience with the industry's top
technologies and manufacturers, Irby is poised to provide
innovative products and customized services to serve its nationwide
client base best. Irby offers a complete portfolio to each of its
core business segments - distribution, transmission, substation,
generation, renewable energy, EPC, fiber/broadband communications,
and gas. To find out more, visit www.irbyutilities.com.
About DZS
DZS Inc. (Nasdaq: DZSI) is a global leader of access,
optical and AI-driven cloud software solutions.
DZS, the DZS logo, and all DZS product names are trademarks of
DZS Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their
respective holders. Specifications, products, and/or product names
are all subject to change.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding
future events and our future results that are subject to the safe
harbors created under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements reflect the beliefs and assumptions of
the Company’s management as of the date hereof. Words such as
“anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,”
“forecast,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,”
“should,” “target,” “will,” “would,” variations of such words, and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking
statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking
statements are only predictions and are subject to risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. The
Company’s actual results could differ materially and adversely from
those expressed in or contemplated by the forward-looking
statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
include, but are not limited to, those risk factors contained in
the Company’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including
without limitation, the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. In
addition, additional or unforeseen affects from the COVID-19
pandemic and the global economic climate may give rise to or
amplify many of these risks. Readers are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only
as of the date on which they are made. DZS undertakes no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any
reason.
For further information see: www.DZSi.comDZS on
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Press Inquiries:
Kenny Vesey, Thatcher+Co.
Phone: +1.973.518.3644
Email: kvesey@thatcherandco.com
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