How Local Broadband Providers Are Strengthening Communities with Calix SmartTown and the Calix Platform
In today’s interconnected world, reliable broadband connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. When emergencies strike, local broadband providers play a critical role in keeping communities connected, safe, and resilient. Through innovative solutions like Calix SmartTown® and the Calix Broadband Platform, these providers are transforming into Broadband Experience Providers (BXPs)—service providers that go beyond basic utility to meet every connectivity need within their communities. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, BXPs are proving that connectivity is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about empowering people, enhancing safety, and fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
Delivering Connectivity Where It Matters Most
Tombigbee Fiber, a leading broadband provider in northern Mississippi, exemplifies this commitment to community transformation. With the support of SmartTown, Tombigbee Fiber is expanding secure, high-speed connectivity to 80 new public spaces, including volunteer fire departments, community centers, libraries, and parks. Notably, 15 new locations in Tupelo will benefit from free, community Wi-Fi, thanks to funding from the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) grant. This initiative focuses on bridging the digital divide in unserved and underserved areas while promoting economic development, education, and telemedicine.
“From the beginning, our vision for Tombigbee Fiber has been to set a new standard for broadband excellence right here in northern Mississippi,” said Scott Hendrix, CEO of Tombigbee Fiber and Tombigbee Electric Power Association (TEPA). “SmartTown has been instrumental in turning that vision into reality—elevating connectivity across our communities while enhancing education, job opportunities, and public safety. When first responders need a reliable, high-speed connection in a critical moment, we deliver.”
With the efficiency of the Calix Platform, Tombigbee plans to complete this ambitious expansion in just three months, demonstrating how modern technology can accelerate community impact.
Supporting Disaster Recovery Efforts
In Virginia, another Calix customer, MGW, is showcasing the power of SmartTown in disaster recovery scenarios. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, MGW leveraged its existing network to quickly deploy outdoor Wi-Fi in affected areas, ensuring swift and effective communication for residents, businesses, and first responders. Towns like Draper and Pulaski benefited immensely from this rapid response, which helped restore normalcy and rebuild lives.
Looking ahead, MGW plans to expand SmartTown to eight more towns in 2025, including Deerfield and Staunton, further solidifying its role as a trusted partner in community resilience. By securely connecting parks, fields, city centers, and side streets, MGW is not only improving daily life but also preparing communities for future challenges.
The Power of Calix SmartTown and Platform Enhancements
At the heart of these success stories lies the Calix Broadband Platform, which receives consistent updates on a 90-day cadence. These updates ensure that customers deploying SmartTown can continue delivering reliable, secure connectivity while maximizing long-term value for their communities. Recent enhancements include pre-provisioning capabilities for Calix GigaSpires® and GigaPros® in Calix Cloud®, enabling field technicians to deploy SmartTown across more locations without on-site provisioning. This feature streamlines installations, even in disaster recovery scenarios, making it easier for BXPs to respond quickly when it matters most.
“SmartTown simplifies access to secure community Wi-Fi for residents, businesses, and first responders, providing a crucial communications lifeline,” said Michael Weening, President and CEO of Calix. “Our platform enables BXPs to turn on these capabilities at no additional cost and expand coverage with our world-class outdoor GigaSpire lineup, which can reach up to a mile and operate under extreme conditions. This makes an investment in redundant fixed wireless networks unnecessary. When a BXP supports the community, lives their values, and builds an unassailable local brand, everyone wins—the community, the BXP’s investors, and its members.”
Why Broadband Providers Are Becoming Community Heroes
The shift from traditional broadband providers to Broadband Experience Providers (BXPs) represents a paradigm change in how service providers interact with their communities. BXPs understand that their role extends beyond delivering internet access—they are stewards of community growth, safety, and prosperity. By investing in solutions like SmartTown, they are:
- Enhancing Public Safety: Reliable connectivity ensures that first responders can communicate effectively during emergencies, potentially saving lives.
- Promoting Economic Development: High-speed internet opens doors to new job opportunities, remote work, and e-commerce, driving local economies forward.
- Supporting Education and Telemedicine: Students and patients in rural or underserved areas gain access to critical resources that were previously out of reach.
- Building Stronger Brands: BXPs that prioritize community needs earn loyalty and trust, becoming synonymous with the regions they serve.
A Win-Win for Communities and Providers
When broadband providers embrace the BXP mindset, they create a virtuous cycle of value. Communities become safer, smarter, and more resilient, while providers see increased Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and reduced churn. By integrating outdoor living and working into every broadband package, BXPs make connectivity an indispensable part of daily life.
The results speak for themselves. Whether it’s Tombigbee Fiber bringing Wi-Fi to public spaces in Mississippi or MGW supporting hurricane recovery efforts in Virginia, Calix customers are proving that technology can be a force for good.
Join the Movement Toward Connected, Resilient Communities
Communities thrive when they have access to reliable, high-speed connectivity. With Calix SmartTown and the Calix Broadband Platform, local broadband providers can step up as true heroes for their communities, delivering transformative value in both everyday life and times of crisis.
Discover how your organization can leverage these tools to strengthen your community, enhance subscriber experiences, and build a lasting legacy. Learn more about Calix SmartTown and the Calix Platform today at www.calix.com.
