Philippines Cableco Uses Calix SDN Solution to Build on DOCSIS

Sky Cable, the Philippines' largest cable operator, this quarter begins its fiber network transformation, using Calix technologies that allow it to leverage the operator's existing DOCSIS investments.

Like other incumbents around the world, Sky Cable Corp. faces competition from Tier 2 and Tier 3, as well as over-the-top (OTT), providers, Doug Blue, director of marketing for Cable at Calix, told Broadband World News. Sky -- which holds about 50% market share in its footprint -- wants to differentiate itself by providing high-speed broadband via fiber-to-the-home (FTTH). That would enable the company to accelerate deployment of new services and target margin-rich high-end residential customers plus small and midsized businesses, he said, via unbeatable speed, services and customer experience.

"Our mission at Sky Cable has always centered on utilizing cutting-edge technology to deliver the best services to our subscribers," said Solito Mapolon, vice president of network engineering for Sky, in a statement.

Calix Channel Partner Twoway Communications and Calix won Sky Cable's request for proposal that incorporated several Calix technologies based on its AXOS operating system. Sky Cable is moving toward a software-defined networking infrastructure that uses virtualization and, eventually, automation to eliminate manual errors, expedite new services and enhance customer experience, said Blue. The provider serves the greater metropolitan areas of Manila and Rizal, as well as the regions of Cavite and Laguna.

"[Our solutions] fit into that SDN, virtualized network of the future. They're deploying our AXOS system, our software-defined PON-based system. They're also deploying DPx, which is a DOCSIS provisioning system that allows them to easily plug in to their DOCSIS back-office system," he said. "They are also using E32s, which are node-based OLTs [optical line terminals], so that fits very nicely into the cable infrastructure. Finally, they're deploying some of our GigaFamily type of gateways or ONUs, ONTs at the customer location. That allows them to provide high-speed broadband, Internet, etc."

The AXOS E3-2 Intelligent PON Node lets Sky Cable easily transition from its traditional cable plant to an SDN. Using AXOS DPx, a virtualized DOCSIS connector, Sky Cable employees see a connector that looks like their traditional cable equipment -- even though it's designed to work with anyPHY and anySDN. This reduces training costs and time, Geoff Burke, Calix's senior director of corporate marketing, told Broadband World News.

In this case, Sky Cable plans to provide subscriber households and businesses with Calix WiFi enabled GigaHubs. These intelligent access devices empower subscribers to receive gigabit data, IP video and carrier-grade voice services via fiber, according to Calix. Sky Cable has the option of adding upgraded services -- and increasing its margins -- by offering 802.11n (2.4GHz) WiFi as part of a smart home solution, for example, the vendor noted.

"Sky Cable understands the importance of staying a step ahead of the competition in both subscriber experience and the underlying network that enables that experience," said Michael Weening, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Calix, in a statement. "Cable operators globally are increasingly seeing the benefits of fiber but are struggling with how to make the transition from traditional hybrid-fiber coax (HFC) networks to FTTH networks. PON solutions must do so much more than simple back office integration. With Calix AXOS solutions now in place, Sky Cable can accelerate the quantity and quality of new services and applications delivered to their subscribers."

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— Alison Diana, Editor, Broadband World News. Follow us on Twitter or @alisoncdiana.