Centranet, an electrical cooperative, has partnered with Nokia to deploy the Lightspan fiber solution, marking a significant leap in rural broadband technology.
The decision to use Nokia’s Lightspan stems from its ability to provide ultra-fast fiber connectivity, enabling Centranet to deliver world-class internet services to underserved and rural communities, including Oklahoma’s Sac and Fox Nation.
This collaboration comes as Centranet becomes the first to demonstrate a 50Gbps fiber internet connection for a tribal nation in Oklahoma, showcasing their commitment to closing the digital divide.
Nokia’s Lightspan solution supports multiple Passive Optical Network (PON) technologies, allowing for seamless scalability and adaptability to evolving network demands. This flexibility is vital in ensuring that communities like the Sac and Fox Nation, which have historically lacked access to high-speed internet, are now equipped with the tools they need for modern education, telehealth, and digital services.
The trial, conducted at the Future of Rural Broadband Showcase, emphasizes Centranet’s focus on innovation. By choosing Nokia’s fiber solution, the company is providing current subscribers with multi-gigabit speeds.
Centranet aims at preparing for future demands with 50G PON services. This forward-thinking approach aligns with Centranet’s long-term strategy of investing in the digital future of rural areas, ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet.
Nokia’s Mark Klimek highlighted the importance of flexibility in fiber technology, while Sac and Fox Nation Principal Chief Randle Carter emphasized the long-term benefits for tribal members.
With Centranet’s deployment of 3,300 miles of fiber in north-central Oklahoma, this initiative is a critical step toward bridging the digital divide and enhancing opportunities for underserved populations.