Broadband Academy

Learn what it takes to build
and manage broadband services

Broadband Academy

Learn what it takes to build
and manage broadband services

 

Calix Broadband Academy

The journey to becoming a Broadband Service Provider can feel overwhelming.
That's why we created Broadband Academy, an online curriculum that guides you through the five stages of building a successful broadband business. 

 
 

Five stages to becoming a Broadband Service Provider

 

 

Identify and secure funding to connect your community

 

Design a scalable, future-proof network​

 

Plan for a smooth broadband build-out ​

 

Ensure sustainable broadband operations

 

Develop critical skills to sell and market broadband ​internet

 

New to Calix?

You don’t need to be a Calix customer to access Broadband Academy.

Follow the steps below and learn how to build, sell, and manage internet services. 

 
 

Start your first course

 
 

Complete courses and earn badges

 
 

Receive your Certificate of Completion

 
 

Deploy Broadband Services with confidence

 

What our customers are saying about Broadband Academy

 

Learn about the foundational courses offered
in Broadband Academy

 

Broadband Services Fundamentals

About this course

In this course, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of building a broadband business, including the five stages, key considerations, and where to start. Students will also learn how broadband works and the types of connectivity that are commonly used today. After completing this course, students will be ready to dive deeper into each stage of building a broadband business.​

Lessons

  1. Introduction: The Role of the Broadband Service Provider
  2. The Five Stages of Building a Broadband Network
  3. The Broadband Network: How It Works
  4. Types of Connectivity: Coax vs. Wireless vs. Fiber
  5. Before Funding: The Feasibility Study
  6. You Dont Have to Go It Alone: Partners That Can Help

Funding for Broadband Services

About this course

In this course, students will learn about government and private funding for new broadband businesses. After completing this course, students will understand which options could work for their business and how to start finding funding programs and/or partners.​

Lessons

  1. An Introduction to Funding: Factors That Determine Availability and Eligibility
  2. Government Funding: Programs, Important Considerations, and Resources
  3. Private Funding: Options, Important Considersations, and Resources
  4. Securing Private Funding: The Importance of Teaser Documents, Pitch Decks, and Term Sheets
  5. The "Do's and Dont's" of Applying for Government Funding

Design for Broadband Services

About this course

In this course, students will learn about designing a broadband network and some of the key factors that should be considered in the design stage, such as the subscriber, the service area, and the technology. Students will also learn how the design of the access network, middle mile infrastructure, and subscriber home network affects the online experience. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to confidently work with network designers and engineers.

Lessons

  1. Start With the Subscriber: Design a Network That Delivers the Best Experience
  2. Other Network Design Considerations: Getting To Know Your Service Area
  3. Designing the Access Network
  4. The Middle Mile: Planning and Design Considerations
  5. The Subscriber Home Network

Build for Broadband Services

About this course

In this course, students will learn about the construction of the outside plant, being all the physical components used outdoors to transfer the internet signal. Students will also learn the importance of finding the right construction contractor to work with and why the community should be kept informed throughout the build. After completing this course, students will be able to effectively monitor the build and help ensure the construction stages stay on track.

Lessons

  1. Build Overview: Partnering with the Right Contractor
  2. The Seven Stages of Constructing the Outside Plant
  3. Monitoring the Build: You Can’t Expect What You Don’t Inspect
  4. Mitigating Risks During the Construction of the Outside Plant
  5. Keeping the Community Informed

Operate for Broadband Services

About this course

In this course, students will learn what it takes to successfully operate a broadband business, including the staff needed and management processes that should be followed. Students will also learn about common operating challenges and the importance of customer service. After completing this course, students will be ready to provide quality service and support to their subscribers.

Lessons

  1. Before You Deploy: Hiring the Right Staff for Your Broadband Operations
  2. Understanding Network Managment: How FCAPS Helps Keep Network Operations Running Smoothly
  3. Operating a Broadband Network: Common Challenges and How to Solve Them
  4. How to Provide First-Rate Customer Services to Your Subscribers
  5. Success Stories from Your Peers

Market for Broadband Services

About this course

Learn marketing strategies and tactics that you and your team can use to sell internet services and create rich subscriber experiences​ while offering solutions that squarely map to their individual needs​.​ Take your passion for marketing, technology, and the customer to the next level. 

Lessons

  1. Email Marketing: Building a Targeted, Segmented Email List to Deliver the Right Message to Subscribers Based ​on Need
  2. Content Creation: Build a Winning Content Strategy to Attract Your Subscribers
  3. Mobile App Marketing: Making Deeper Customer Connections
  4. Social Media Marketing: Persona-based Targeting
  5. Product Marketing: Developing a Perfect Product Launch
 

Deliver and sustain the broadband experience your community deserves

Become a digital leader and provide life-changing connectivity.

 

Ready for a deeper dive? Understand broadband specifics for your business type with these custom-made courses

Understanding broadband specifics for tribes

About this course

In this course, students will learn about specific considerations that tribes should be aware of when planning to build broadband infrastructure and operate a broadband business. This includes methods of owning and operating a broadband network, funding for tribes’ broadband projects, permit requirements for broadband infrastructure projects, and tips for running a for-profit business. After completing this course, students will be ready to begin working on broadband projects for tribes.​

Lessons

  1. How to Prepare Your Broadband Services for Future
    Generations ​

  2. Methods of Owning and Operating a Broadband
    Network​

  3. Funding for Tribes: Eligibility and Availability​

  4. Managing Broadband Funding: Best Practices and
    Obligations ​

  5. Permit Requirements for Broadband Infrastructure
    Deployments ​

  6. How to Run a For-Profit Broadband Business

Understanding broadband specifics electric cooperatives

About this course

In this course, students will learn about specific considerations that electric cooperatives should be aware of when planning to build broadband infrastructure and operate a broadband business. This includes methods of owning and operating a broadband network, advantages and disadvantages of partnering with third-party entities, how broadband infrastructure can improve your electric operations, and tips for running a competitive business. After completing this course, students will be ready to begin working on broadband projects for electric cooperatives.​

Lessons

  1. Why Electric Co-ops are Uniquely Positioned to Provide
    Broadband Services​

  2. Options for Owning and Operating a Broadband
    Network ​

  3. How Broadband Infrastructure Can Help Improve Your
    Electric Operations​

  4. Running a Competitive Broadband Business​

  5. The Importance of Data Insights

 

Already a Calix Customer?

Log in via My Calix to explore more of Broadband Academy.

 
 

Still have questions about Broadband Academy?

Learn more about how different businesses work with Calix
to deploy broadband services

Electric Cooperatives

Tribal Broadband Networks

Municipalities

Wireline Operators

 

Cable Operators

Mobile Operators

WISPs