Poka Lambro enhances Texas network with Infinera's tech

Poka Lambro Telecommunications has implemented Infinera's XTM Series to upgrade its regional fibre broadband and middle-mile network throughout rural western Texas, utilising ReConnect Program funding.

Poka Lambro, a provider of fibre broadband access and middle-mile network services, covers an area of 4,200 square miles in West Texas, stretching from the regions south of Lubbock to just north of Midland in the Permian Basin. This upgrade enables Poka Lambro to deliver 400G services, enhancing reliable middle-mile connectivity for both its needs and those of other Internet service providers (ISPs) in historically underserved communities.

The improved network allows ISPs to provide dependable high-speed internet services essential for remote working, telemedicine, and other critical applications for both residential and business customers in remote areas. The expansion aims to bridge the digital divide for students and improve academic achievements.

Scott Fitzgerald, Vice President of Network Operations at Poka Lambro, stated, "Poka Lambro's goal is to provide the fastest and most reliable optical network in the region, which in turn will ensure vital services are available to communities in West Texas. Working closely with t3 Broadband on the network design and Infinera to deliver the best-in-class solution, our network upgrade provides our neighbouring co-operatives a modern middle-mile network option that can cost-effectively scale to meet the bandwidth demands of today and the future."

The deployment was completed in collaboration with t3 Broadband, known for its expertise in rural broadband network implementation. The agency's CEO, Chris Crowe, commented, "t3 worked collaboratively with both our customer Poka Lambro and our partner Infinera to bring higher-bandwidth services to both Poka Lambro and their customers. The Poka Lambro solution continues to support our mission of providing competitive broadband solutions to our rural service providers and to close the digital divide for their customers."

Nick Walden, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Infinera, remarked on the collaboration, "The Infinera team worked closely with our partner, t3 Broadband, to provide Poka Lambro with a reliable, high-capacity, cost-effective solution that will support the expansion of social and economic opportunity across the region. This middle-mile modernization project allows Poka Lambro to stay ahead of the bandwidth curve while bringing vital connectivity to underserved rural areas in West Texas."