OAKLAND, CA — Norvado, an advanced telecommunications provider in Cable, Wisconsin, announced the completion of its Fiber to the Home (FTTH) project, which began in 2008 and was made possible through installation of Zhone Technologies’ MXK platform. The FTTx Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) enables Norvado to join a handful of Wisconsin companies offering Internet subscribers broadband speeds up to one gigabit.

Norvado’s business and residential subscribers benefit from fast delivery of affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access, VoIP and video services based on the company’s investment in Zhone’s fiber network solutions. Approximately 5,500 subscribers are currently using the Norvado network in four northern Wisconsin counties, including Bayfield, Ashland, Douglas and Sawyer. As broadband demands continue to increase across the globe, Zhone’s ability to provide GPON connectivity has been demonstrated in similar projects such as JNT, Gavlenet and IP UtiliNet.

“Gigabit broadband speeds are bringing greater opportunity for growth in North Western Wisconsin, and broadband access is quickly becoming a staple for economic development,” said Jeff Lee, plant manager at Norvado. “We chose Zhone’s MXK platform to help us transition to a full fiber optic network because of its reputation for performance, scalability and density.”

“Consumers today expect fast, reliable and affordable Internet services, whether they live in a city, the suburbs or in a small town. By selecting Zhone’s MXK platform, Norvado has been able to deliver fast speeds and affordable prices with an aggressive timeline, making this project a huge success,” said Brian Caskey, chief marketing officer at Zhone Technologies. “Norvado has reported that businesses are moving to the area in order to have access to the faster broadband speeds, which shows just how important broadband services are to driving growth throughout the U.S.”