Brightspeed cuts Ribbon on network transformation

US internet service provider Brightspeed has embarked on a programme to upgrade its legacy assets to next-generation virtualised communications to gain what it regards as the appropriate efficiencies, flexibility and capabilities to facilitate a transformation of its comms infrastructure.

Headquartered in North Carolina and with assets and associated operations in 20 US states, Brightspeed is said to be the nation’s fourth-largest fibre builder, and provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 6.5 million homes and businesses.

To help modernise its comms infrastructure while maintaining uninterrupted services for existing customers, Brightspeed has deployed technology from real-time communications technology and IP optical networking services firm Ribbon Communications.

The network transformation offering is designed to help enable Brightspeed to replace decades-old rooms full of power-hungry legacy telecoms equipment, while its top-tier professional services make the deployment transparent to both Brightspeed customers and regulatory bodies.

Once operational, Ribbon assured that the new Brightspeed deployments will use a fraction of the power, HVAC and real estate of the previous infrastructure while offering new capabilities, assuring the long-term reliability of Brightspeed’s network without impacting Brightspeed’s operational or billing systems.

In the deployment, Brightspeed is using a suite of Ribbon services including the C20 Call Controller, Application Server, SBC and PSX centralised policy and routing server, and Ribbon Application Management Platform to modernise its legacy central office equipment and, according to Ribbon, lay the foundation for further innovation.

Additionally, Ribbon’s NPT 1250 multi-service access routing platform, part of its Neptune IP Routing portfolio, enables technology convergence for the service provider’s legacy assets.

Sam Bucci, Ribbon chief operating officer and executive vice-president, said: “Brightspeed is setting the bar for how independent service providers can operate and compete in today’s telecommunications landscape. Their blazing fast voicemail transition illustrates their ability to quickly drive cost out of their infrastructure while ensuring their customers have access to critical functionality. We look forward to being a part of their ongoing network transformation success.”

Brightspeed chief technology officer Brian Bond added: “Building a fibre broadband network across more than 160 communities in our footprint requires an investment in ensuring we can accelerate scalability. Ribbon’s advanced solutions enable us to efficiently manage and upgrade our legacy assets.”