GoSEMO Steps Up to Revitalize Rural Communities in Southeast Missouri, Enabling Remote Working and Business Development with New Gigabit Broadband Service

Electric cooperative’s cutting-edge fiber network, featuring Calix Support Cloud and GigaCenters, is redefining the broadband experience for community members

SAN JOSE, CA – May 2, 2019 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that GoSEMO, the broadband subsidiary of rural Missouri-based electric cooperative SEMO Electric Cooperative, is building out its new fiber network with Calix. GoSEMO’s new network delivers gigabit service to communities where broadband options were severely limited — enabling more members to work remotely and attract new business to the area. GoSEMO selected Calix based on recommendations from other electric cooperatives, a testament to the reputation Calix has built and evidence of how rural companies work collaboratively to help each other succeed and enhance the lives of their members. The Calix GigaCenter and Calix Support Cloud (CSC), key components that now come standard with the new managed Wi-Fi broadband service, are already generating significant interest among SEMO’s 16,000 homes, farms, and businesses.  

 

This cloud-based, cutting-edge managed Wi-Fi solution enables GoSEMO to proactively monitor, diagnose, and manage home networks remotely to address issues before members experience service interruptions. GoSEMO’s Wi-Fi services are now attracting new residents and businesses in areas where the lack of broadband offerings had previously limited opportunities. Rolling out GigaCenters to the premises has been key to their success as more members experience the power of dramatically enhanced, managed Wi-Fi. Now coupled with Calix Support Cloud, GoSEMO has the network insights necessary to ensure that the experience remains unparalleled for all members.

 

“Broadband is essential to the advancement of our communities – from taking care of our current members to providing economic development opportunities in the future,” said Sean Vanslyke, CEO of GoSEMO and SEMO Electric Cooperative. “By partnering with Calix and learning from other electric coops, we have been able to accelerate our projects and build a network that exceeds the expectations of our members. Calix is a proven partner amongst electric cooperatives, and this relationship will be instrumental to the growth and success of our network.”

 

SEMO Electric is headquartered in Sikeston, MO, which actually lies outside its electrical membership serving area. Given the significant excitement from members and residents in neighboring towns, GoSEMO is working with the Municipality of Sikeston to expand beyond its current footprint. In the near future, those adjacent communities will have access to the gigabit service as well. 

 

“Electric cooperatives have the valuable mission of bringing broadband service to underserved communities the same way they brought electricity almost a century ago,” said Skip Hirvela, vice president of sales for Calix. “Calix is proud to support these initiatives that create a lasting impact on so many communities. Our partnership with GoSEMO is creating an experience that will be a game-changer to all community members today and in the future.”

 

For more information on Calix solutions for new network buildouts and to hear more from GoSEMO about their journey, watch their video.

 

About Calix

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) – Innovative communications service providers rely on Calix platforms to help them master and monetize the complex infrastructure between their subscribers and the cloud. Calix is the leading global provider of the cloud and software platforms, systems, and services required to deliver the unified access network and smart premises of tomorrow. Our platforms and services help our customers build next generation networks by embracing a DevOps operating model, optimize the subscriber experience by leveraging big data analytics and turn the complexity of the smart home and business into new revenue streams.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management's current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix's results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.

 

Press Inquiries:
Dale Legaspi

408-474-0056

dale.legaspi@calix.com