At the Calix ConneXions event, Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) unveiled the SmartTown® Alliance, designed to enable subscribers to securely connect to participating broadband service provider (BSP) networks. With initial members in Mississippi and Kansas, this initiative aims to expand access for subscribers across various locations, allowing them to connect to SmartTown Wi-Fi networks automatically as they travel outside their home areas.
“SmartTown Alliance will provide a consistent broadband experience for subscribers visiting family or traveling for work,” said Matt Collins, chief commercial operations officer at Calix.
Calix has already seen success in deploying community-wide Wi-Fi across 13 U.S. states, with significant growth—nearly quadrupling—over the past year. The SmartTown system utilizes Calix GigaSpire® and GigaPro® systems to support public Wi-Fi hotspots in locations like parks, town squares, and event venues. Subscribers will enjoy secure community-wide Wi-Fi from their own BSP and all Alliance members, starting with Tombigbee Fiber in Mississippi and SCTelcom in Kansas.
Scott Hendrix, CEO of Tombigbee Fiber, stated, “We launched SmartTown across our entire footprint, earning a 92 Net Promoter Score℠ (NPS®). With SmartTown Alliance, we can extend our customers’ experiences beyond our footprint, with Calix supporting us every step of the way.”
The SmartTown Alliance enhances residential broadband offerings by allowing BSPs to:
- Ensure a Secure Connection: The SmartTown Alliance utilizes Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint®, providing secure connectivity without repeated logins. Subscribers can roam seamlessly across Alliance networks.
- Expand Service Reach: Joining the Alliance allows BSPs to provide consistent, secure Wi-Fi experiences that meet evolving subscriber needs, enhancing brand loyalty.
- Streamline Operations: SmartTown integrates with the Calix Platform, enabling BSPs to deploy with minimal additional training and streamlined authentication processes, ensuring uniform quality and security.
Calix customers also benefit from the Calix Success program, which provides support in network design, service launch guidance, and 24/7 assistance.
Carla Shearer, CEO of SCTelcom, noted the positive impact of SmartTown on connectivity in Kansas, enhancing outdoor connectivity by 75% and enabling secure access during emergencies. She emphasized the potential for SmartTown Alliance to extend secure Wi-Fi beyond their service area, adding significant value for subscribers.
“SmartTown Alliance will empower our customers to provide a reliable broadband experience wherever their subscribers go,” said Collins. “Our customers are connecting public spaces and ensuring reliable access for students and community events, while the Alliance enables seamless connectivity across different networks.”
SmartTown and SmartHome are part of the Calix SmartLife™ portfolio, which offers tailored Wi-Fi services for various subscriber segments through a unified broadband platform. The portfolio also includes SmartBiz™ for small businesses and SmartMDU™ for multi-dwelling units.
Attendees at Calix ConneXions can visit the SmartTown booth at the Wynn in Las Vegas on October 14 and 15 to learn more.
About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) provides a platform, cloud, and managed services designed to simplify operations for broadband service providers, enabling them to enhance subscriber engagement and innovate for their consumer, business, and municipal customers. With a commitment to democratizing data use, Calix empowers customers to deliver exceptional experiences in their communities.
This press release includes forward-looking statements based on current management expectations, which may be subject to change. For further details, please refer to Calix’s quarterly reports and annual filings available at www.sec.gov.
Calix, the Calix logo, and related trademarks are registered trademarks of Calix and/or its affiliates. More information on Calix’s trademarks can be found at Calix Legal.
Net Promoter®, NPS®, and related marks are registered trademarks of Bain & Company, Inc., Satmetrix Systems, Inc., and Fred Reichheld.
