Occam Networks today announced three new customers for its Internet protocol-based broadband loop carrier system. The three are all Iowa-based independent telcos--Long Lines of Sergeant Bluff, Partner Communications Cooperative in Gilman, and Western Iowa Telephone, serving 11 communities in northeast Iowa.

“As we continue to add new customers it is clear that our vision of an Ethernet- and IP-based access network is quickly becoming a reality,” said Russ Sharer, vice president of marketing and sales for Occam, in a prepared statement. “These new customers are deploying cutting edge access networks that use a softswitch architecture, rather than a traditional TDM architecture. They are sold on the flexibility, cost-effectiveness and scalability that only Ethernet and IP provide.”

Partner plans to deploy the Occam BLC 6000 in two COs and in four remotes, and has already turned up POTS and ADSL2+ service to subscribers in the Gilman and Kellogg, Iowa, exchanges. The deployment is being done as part of a network expansion that includes the purchase of four new exchanges and a doubling of access lines to 4000. The Occam BLC will be deployed in these new exchanges, along with a Metaswitch softswitch, to move Partner to IP. Existing line cards will be then used in rural areas to upgrade that market segment.

Long Lines has deployed the BLC 6000 as a central office terminal and in six remote sites, to deliver POTS and high-speed data service, and will expand its usage further to compete as a CLEC in neighboring communities.

Western Iowa Telephone is replacing its current digital loop carriers with the BLC 6000 in its CO and in seven remotes to date. The company has also deployed Metaswitch softswitch gear as part of its transition from TDM to IP.