Rural Telco Co-Op Keeps ETI as Trusted Partner
X

Want to take a Self-Guided tour?

From POTS to Broadband, Rural Co-op Values ETI as a Trusted Partner

“As our membership evolved, we needed a partner and a strategy that grew and evolved with us.” — Director



Telephone cooperatives have long been crucial to bringing wireline services to rural areas. But gone are the days when co-ops simply provided Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) to their communities. Today co-ops are the backbone of communications for their members, offering video, voice and data and often rebranding themselves as broadband providers. One Midwest telephone co-op has done just that and succeeded by building lasting partnerships to expand service offerings and keep their community connected.

Challenge:

After years of offering wireline service, the co-op committed to IPTV and quickly realized they had no way to integrate video service charges to their telephone billing system. Rather than ‘rip and replace’ the billing system or resorting to dual entry, manual processes, the co-op needed an integration partner that could grow with them.

Growing from a traditional telco and video provider to a full-fledged FTTH network meant integrating multiple technologies, minimizing manual processes and reducing human error – with the mandate to keep operating expenses down and customers happy.

The co-op needed a partner that would grow with them, essentially future-proofing their network against competitive threats and rising costs.

Solution:

The operator partnered with ETI to automate provisioning and activate multiple technologies, such as SeaChange, Metaswitch, Calix and MobiTV. As the network evolved, ETI was able to integrate IP Video, VoIP, copper and co-ax and finally fiber broadband, all through the Triad platform.

Additionally, working with the existing billing system was critical to rapid adoption and limiting operational disruption. Because of its business-level API, Triad offers a one-to-many application where ROI increases as new technology – video, voice, or data – is added.

This integration even applies to multiple vendors, network topographies, and devices. From the co-op’s initial foray into broadband using copper and co-ax, to its expansion into fiber broadband, Triad is the hub that connects the spokes.

Outcomes:

Interoperability: The provider has been able to minimize manual processes and siloed databases using Triad as a ‘universal adapter’ to ensure all services are provisioned and billed correctly.

Efficient Operations: The scalability and simplicity of the solution means the provider can operate with minimum expenses, as is their responsibility to their members.

Trusted Advisor: Affordable and reliable support to their community has earned the operator the status of a trusted partner, continuing to provide next-gen telecommunications service to their community.

Is it time for you to simplify your broadband operations? Click here for a personalized demo!






< Previous