Accedian Networks to support Cox Communications’ small cells installation

DALLAS, TEXAS: As an extension to its existing commercial relationship with Cox Communications, Accedian Networks will now support the installation of small cells as a service (SCaaS) for Cox.

Cox Communications is claimed to be the first operator in the US to provide SCaaS to major multi-system operators (MSO). Through its SCaaS offering, Cox manages the complex aspects of small cell deployment. This includes site acquisition, building up an inventory of street furniture, and providing power supplies, backhaul and installation services. The operator then actively hosts and maintains all small cells on an ongoing basis.

Cox Communications has turned to Accedian to further streamline and performance optimization of small cell installation. Accedian will deploy its ‘Plug & Go’ technology to ensure small cell backhaul can be installed, without special training, within hours. Accedian’s explained that the Plug & Go, when deployed in conjunction with a SCaaS offering, can contribute to dramatically reducing the standard industry time to deploy small cells from 18-24 months down to 3-6 months.

Each small cell is uniquely ‘strand mounted’ ─ hung from cables in a ruggedized enclosure ─ to take advantage of Cox’s widespread cable plant in both residential and commercial areas. This ensures the constant availability of bandwidth, power and right-of-way all combine to maximize the network user experience.

“Small cells continue to play a critical role in network capacity in-building, across all areas of the network,” said Jeremy Bye, VP Business Carrier and Wholesale, Cox Communications. “To deliver a successful ROI, small cells must maintain high QoE standards to achieve parity with the macro network. Working with Accedian not only enables us to benefit from faster installation times, but it also enables us to guarantee the user experience and deliver a differentiated service.”

“We are delighted to extend our relationship with Cox to provide performance assurance capabilities to its innovative SCaaS offering,” said Patrick Ostiguy, CEO, Accedian. “Our Plug & Go solution delivers dramatic competitive advantage for all operators looking to small cells as part of next generation network architecture. Our ability to guarantee small cell network performance will ensure small cells become more viable as a flexible and low cost means of meeting capacity demands.”