Bandera Electric Cooperative Builds Next Generation Fiber Network for Smart Grid and Broadband Services with Calix Cloud, Whole Home Wi-Fi, and AXOS Solutions

On a single Calix-powered fiber network, Bandera supports distributed energy, smart grid automation, meter reading, and gigabit broadband services for residents and businesses

PETALUMA, CA – August 21, 2018 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is leveraging Calix solutions throughout their fiber network (known as BEC Fiber) and in their subscribers’ premises in the Texas Hill Country. The Calix AXOS E7-2 Intelligent Modular System and Whole Home Wi-Fi solutions deliver world class end-to-end connectivity throughout BEC’s fiber network, while Calix Support Cloud ensures that the customer support team is positioned with the analytics, insights, and remote management capabilities to deliver the best service in their market. Serving over 26,000 members across seven counties, this visionary electric cooperative expanded with the BEC Fiber service connecting their first subscribers in 2017. With a commitment to operational excellence and outstanding customer service, BEC Fiber is on a mission to reach all members with their fiber broadband service in the coming years. To date, BEC Fiber has already secured 4,000 residential pre-registrations and is providing local schools with 10 gigabit connectivity. In addition, the fiber network will serve as the foundation for BEC’s Smart Grid, as well as their renewable energy subsidiary, BEC Solar, LLC, which provides solar and energy storage alternatives for their members.

 

“We are now in the ‘Information Age,' and we can see the needs of our members – and our business – evolving. As a member-owned cooperative, BEC is ideally positioned to address those needs,” said William Hetherington, CEO and General Manager of BEC. “On the electric side of the business, we have members interested in our renewable energy alternatives including the solar panels, Tesla power walls, and even electric vehicle charging stations. This interest is driving growth in our distributed generation and battery storage products, providing additional revenue to BEC Solar, and cost savings for all our members. Connecting it all with a robust fiber communications platform is critical to the efficiency and effectiveness of our network services. Calix has helped us converge our broadband and Smart Grid services into a single, reliable fiber network that is delivering the best member Wi-Fi experience in our market. Fiber and world-class Wi-Fi connectivity are essential to our success both now and into the future, and we are thrilled to be partnering with Calix to lay this foundation today.”

 

Exceeding member expectations is the top priority for BEC. As the fiber project expands, the Calix GigaCenters, 804Mesh satellites, and Calix Support Cloud will play key roles in assuring the delivery of an unmatched broadband experience. BEC members are already excited about the new whole home Wi-Fi services and 804Mesh satellites that will provide the coverage needed to bring service to every corner of a home or business. Calix Support Cloud allows BEC Fiber to remotely manage the network, utilizing real-time data to reduce service call times, reduce truck rolls, and ensure the highest level of member satisfaction.

 

While BEC's members have shown a strong interest in broadband service across their underserved communities, improving the electric system with Smart Grid automation and support for renewable energy has also been the driving force to build the BEC fiber network. As a Tesla business partner, energy storage, along with energy efficiency and distributed generation, is a growing part of the BEC business. With the end goal of a system-wide fiber network connecting every members' home and business, BEC can execute its renewable energy program, as well as deploy meter reading and distributed energy management to enhance the operational efficiency of its electric business. As BEC introduces additional Smart Grid applications to their network, the cooperative can utilize its existing Calix infrastructure, which will reduce capital expenses while improving business operations.

 

“In the past, water and electricity were table stakes for economic development in a rural market. When a company decides on where to open their new plant or office, they need to know that they have the infrastructure they need to be successful. Without a doubt, gigabit fiber services are now as important to a region’s development as electricity and water were historically. That is why we are seeing unprecedented interest and momentum with municipal, electric cooperative, and fiber overbuilders as they enable the next level of prosperity for their members,” said Michael Weening, executive vice president at Calix. “Forward looking electric cooperatives like BEC are partnering with Calix and Tesla to bring world class communications and energy infrastructures to improve their communities. Thanks to the future proof nature of AXOS, the world’s only software defined access OS, and the ability to bring new services to market first, BEC Fiber is equipped to ensure that they and their members stay in a leading position well into the future.”

 

Learn more about BEC’s fiber network plans in this video interview with BEC’s William Hetherington.

 

About BEC

Established in 1938, Bandera Electric Cooperative (BEC) is member-owned and provides highly reliable electric services, including renewable energy, in all or parts of Bandera, Bexar, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real and Uvalde Counties. BEC Solar operates in Central and South Texas and offers customizable solar installations, arrays, maintenance, and energy management through Apolloware©. BEC Solar is one of four Tesla Powerwall Certified Installers in Texas. BEC Fiber broadband provides speeds up to 1GB to residential and business customers. For more information, visit BanderaElectric.com call (866) 226-3372 or contact at publicrelations@banderaelectric.com.

 

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:
Neila Matheny

707-766-3512

Neila.matheny@calix.com