Centranet, a subsidiary of Central Rural Electric Cooperative, has successfully demonstrated a 50 Gbps fiber internet connection for the Sac and Fox Nation in Oklahoma, marking an advancement in broadband access for rural and Indigenous communities. This achievement, announced during the Future of Rural Broadband Showcase, is the first live commercial trial of 50G PON technology in a tribal nation, Nokia said on Wednesday.
Also Read: Empire Access Expands Fiber Internet Services to Hazleton, Pennsylvania
50 Gbps Live Connection
Utilising Nokia's Lightspan fiber solution, Centranet connected a pilot member of the Sac and Fox Nation to one of the fastest residential internet speeds available globally. The technology not only provides multi-gigabit speeds for current subscribers of Centranet but also lays the groundwork for future 50G PON services, the official release said.
The Principal Chief of the Sac and Fox Nation said, "We pursued this grant to enhance the availability and viability of fiber optic opportunities for our tribal members, not just now, but in the future."
Expanding Broadband Access
The President of Fiber and Technology said, "Centranet has deployed 3,300 miles of fiber in north-central Oklahoma in the past three years. Bringing high-speed broadband to the Sac and Fox Nation, as well as to other tribes and underserved areas, has been a priority for us."
"By partnering with Centranet, we are ensuring that every community can access the opportunities that cutting-edge technology provides," Nokia added.
Also Read: Rogers to Deploy Comcast Access Network Design Across Its Footprint
50G PON Demonstration
This demonstration of the 50G PON solution enables Centranet to become the first company to connect a pilot subscriber in a tribal nation to a 50 Gbps fiber connection, the joint statement said.
