17. 6. 2019
Iskratel helps boost La Reunion speeds
As Ultra-High-Definition (UHD) TV, Over The Top Services (OTT) and a multitude of new Internet of Things (IoT) applications explode onto the scene, users are in turn demanding faster broadband at the touch of a button. This means that operators across the globe are tasked with upgrading their networks at a similar pace to ensure continued delivery of the highest-standard services that their customers have become accustomed to.
For end-users to enjoy voice, data and video over one connection, it requires ultra-fast internet speeds. Triple-play services only work if there is substantial bandwidth available and to enable this, operators must have the right infrastructure in place.
In response to this, governments worldwide are introducing broadband targets to speed up this process. For instance, the French government has published its ambitious plan - Plan France Très Haut Dèbit 2013-2022 (PFTHD) – which aims to provide all households with 30Mbps or more by 2022, of which 80% should be supplied by fibre to their property.
One French Internet Service Provider (ISP) ZEOP, is not holding back when it comes to upgrading its networks and has committed to delivering gigabit connectivity to every household across the La Réunion Island, France.
Pushing the boundaries of connectivity
However, in 2018, ZEOP experienced an unexpected issue which was jeopardising its plans to expand and endangering the deployment of broadband Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) across La Réunion.
ZEOP required a new broadband access solutions partner and fast – one which could continue the implementation of its growth strategy while meeting strict project deadlines. ZEOP also needed to be able to resolve the inefficiency of its existing management systems.
To protect ZEOP’s assets and avoid overhauling its existing infrastructure, interoperability with its existing third-party GPON Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) was crucial. Furthermore, integration with ZEOP’s existing management system and processes was also key to enabling the operator to optimise management of its existing home gateways.
The stringent requirements of the deployment, coupled with the challenging terrains of La Réunion Island, meant this wouldn’t be a task for the faint hearted - but Iskratel was determined to push the boundaries of its advanced GPON access technology.
From contact to completion
After presenting a solution which could provide third-party interoperability with ZEOP’s existing ONTs, Iskratel began rolling-out its GPON Fibre-To-The-Home Home Gateway Innbox G68 solution across the whole of ZEOP’s network in La Réunion Island – overcoming the most challenging terrains, such as the Island’s dynamic geography and climatic conditions. Following this, households were able to access ultrafast downstream and upstream speeds, enabling ZEOP to deliver the bandwidth-consuming services such as UHD content, internet data and voice-over-IP telephony that its customers were craving.
Thanks to Iskratel’s interoperable Home Gateways, it was able to work alongside ZEOP’s existing OLTs and provided a complete, TR-069-based centralised management solution - which is gradually substituting its previous solution - reducing its number of support calls and costs. By leveraging the Broadband Forum’s TR-069-based centralised management system, ZEOP can now control and configure its CPEs and resolve problems remotely in real-time, whilst streamlining its management and provisioning
End result
From initial contact to completion in less than six months, ZEOP’s customers are already benefitting from increased speeds and enhanced bandwidth, enabling them to enjoy triple-play services throughout the home.
In turn, ZEOP was able to generate new revenues less than one month after the deployment, with the tools at its disposal helping to smoothly upgrade its offering to a Wi-Fi mesh network in the future, delivering whole-home connectivity and improved customer experience.