Calix has introduced new outdoor Wi-Fi enhancements to its broadband platform and SmartLife managed services, positioning itself to capture a share of the $7 billion outdoor Wi-Fi market, which is expected to grow by 60% over the next five years.
The new Calix GigaPro p6dx extends outdoor Wi-Fi coverage up to one mile (1,600 metres), while the 6 GHz upgrade for the GigaPro p6he significantly boosts performance by tripling capacity to support livestreaming, social media video uploads, and other high-bandwidth activities at large outdoor events. These advancements, integrated into the Calix Broadband Platform, enable broadband service providers (BSPs) to deliver unique managed services to extensive outdoor areas such as campgrounds, city centres, fairgrounds, farms, marinas, and RV parks.
To further streamline outdoor installations and accelerate market entry and revenue generation, Calix is set to release the GigaPro GPR4001XH optical network terminal (ONT), which features integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE).
BSPs are increasingly recognising that competing solely on speed is insufficient to dominate markets. Many are therefore enhancing their offerings with Calix’s SmartLife managed services, which include exceptional outdoor Wi-Fi experiences. For instance, Tombigbee Fiber achieved an impressive Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 92 by deploying managed services such as Calix SmartTown community-wide Wi-Fi across football fields, parks, and neighbourhoods in northern Mississippi. They also provide complimentary Wi-Fi to first responders in areas with unreliable mobile service, demonstrating their strong community commitment.
The latest innovations in the Calix Platform simplify service expansion with SmartLife, enabling BSPs to:
- Differentiate with extended outdoor Wi-Fi coverage: The GigaPro p6dx provides long-range Wi-Fi, extending managed services up to one mile across diverse settings such as parks, campgrounds, farms, marinas, and beaches. Supported by Calix Cloud on the Calix Platform, this outdoor Wi-Fi solution opens up new revenue opportunities for BSPs and their subscribers
- Support large-scale outdoor events with enhanced streaming and video calling: The GigaPro p6he now includes 6 GHz functionality for outdoor use, greatly increasing bandwidth and tripling system capacity without additional charges. The system is compatible with both Wi-Fi 6e and Wi-Fi 7 devices, allowing Calix customers to support thousands of people streaming or making video calls at events such as football games, state fairs, and rodeos. Using GPS geolocation, the GigaPro p6he dynamically checks 6 GHz channel availability with the Automatic Frequency Coordination (AFC) system to protect nearby radar and emergency communications
- Streamline and accelerate new service deployments: All Calix Wi-Fi systems are designed for easy installation and activation. The upcoming GigaPro GPR4001XH, a temperature-hardened fibre ONT, will further simplify both indoor and outdoor installations with integrated PoE, ideal for SmartTown and SmartBiz deployments. This compact XGS-PON ONT is suitable for small enclosures, supporting outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots, cameras, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and features four IEEE 802.3bt power-sourcing LAN ports with a 120-watt power budget, all managed via the Calix Platform
Cloud updates to the Calix Platform provide BSPs with instant access to new Wi-Fi systems and enhanced subscriber insights through new SmartTown reporting capabilities.
“We continue to see BSPs like Allband Communications, ALLO Communications, Smithville Communications, and Tombigbee Fiber set themselves apart from the competition with incredible outdoor Wi-Fi experiences,” said Matt Collins, Chief Commercial Operations Officer at Calix. “Leading BSPs are avoiding commoditisation of their services by moving beyond speed to deliver dynamic, differentiated experiences. Calix customers are embracing new managed services to provide experiences that benefit not just their members, subscribers, and investors, but their entire community.
“Thanks to the power of the Calix Platform, any BSP can add these capabilities to power their managed services, including SmartTown and SmartBiz, in a matter of weeks. With the industry’s most comprehensive Wi-Fi appliance portfolio—now offering a one-mile range and 6 GHz performance outdoors—BSPs have the tools to truly transform their communities and lead their markets.”
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