Redback Networks has received USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) listing, which includes its SmartEdge 400 and 800 product family and its NetOp Policy Manager. The RUS listing enables independent operating companies (IOCs) and rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) to obtain RUS broadband loan and grant programs. A total of $2.157 billion is available this year for loans and loan guarantees under the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program.
Separately, Redback announced that Golden Belt Telephone Association, Inc., a local exchange cooperative representing the “golden belt” region of Kansas, has selected its SmartEdge Service Gateway platform for deploying broadcast video services. Redback is working with integrator Millennium Networks to provide the next-generation network. The Smart Broadband Network, based on SmartEdge Service Gateway systems deployed in 18 POPs, is new infrastructure for Golden Belt rather than an upgrade or expansion of an existing network. The SmartEdge Service Gateway systems will perform all video multicast replication, subscriber and session management, integrated QoS and high-performance edge routing. They will connect directly with DSLAMs in each POP. The systems will accommodate both DSL and WiFi access.
