Texas Lone Star Network Partners with Ribbon Communications to Boost Network Capacity

Texas Lone Star Network (TLSN), a consortium consisting of 41 rural broadband service providers in Texas, chose Ribbon Communications to enhance the capacity of its statewide transport network.

Ribbon is a global provider of real-time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions. As per the partnership, which will modernize and secure its network, Ribbon will provide its IP Wave Solutions to augment TLSN's network capacity. This will also support increased scale and allow TLSN to expand its service offerings.

Specifically, it will utilize Ribbon's Apollo 9603 platform, along with the TM400_2 (dual 400G transponder), to facilitate the provision of alien wavelengths overlay on their existing ROADM (News - Alert) transport network.

This will be used to create a connection between rural and underserved communities across Texas.

"TLSN is a key player in the Texas rural market and we're proud to be supporting them with our optimized, automated and open IP optical solutions. We look forward to further growing the relationship," said Elizabeth Page, Ribbon's Senior Sales Director, Rural Markets.

TLSN and its members will also benefit from around-the-clock support based in the U.S. for its customers.

According to officials, it will initially deploy the TM400_2 in a 200G coherent mode, supporting 100GbE clients and as demand for services grows, will repurpose it to accommodate 400G links with 400GbE clients.

"Ribbon is already proving itself to be a very flexible and dependable partner and offers us the services, expertise and flexibility we require," said Mike Miller, General Manager, TLSN. "Their solutions, pricing and support model enable us to support our members with a robust, high capacity network."