LAS VEGAS--Calix and Nortel announced today that they have been picked by Sprint Nextel as approved vendors to provide access platforms for the telco’s next-gen wireline broadband buildout in 18 states.

Under terms of a two-year contract, Nortel will supply is Ultra Broadband access platform, which is actually the Calix C7 broadband loop carrier. The first deployment already has been completed in Sprint Nextel's Waterville, Ohio, local market. Sprint’s local group, which is being spun off as part of the merger agreement with Nextel, will use the platform to offer voice, video and data services though it has yet to announce many of the details for that effort.

The long-rumored agreement is a major win for Calix, which formed a partnership with Nortel in 2004. The first deployment will use Calix’s ADSL2+ line cards, but can migrate to a fiber-to-the-premises BPON architecture.

“That’s a good representation of the expansion of our scope,” said Kevin Walsh, vice president of marketing for Calix.

For Nortel, the win maintains what has traditionally been an anchor client. Sprint also was among the first telcos to deploy Nortel’s soft switch. And while the deal with Calix is specific to access, Nortel is positioning the announcement as part of a larger migration to an all-IP network.

“This is distinctly for the access equipment, but we’re looking to work as closely as possible,” said Richard Orgias, manager of broadband access marketing for Nortel.

As part of the agreement, Nortel will provide first-line support to Sprint while Calix will handle issues that escalate. Nortel also will act as the supplier, providing order fulfillment.

“The model we have worked very well with Sprint,” Orgias said. “This is the most significant win Nortel has had with Calix.”