MINNEAPOLIS, Sept. 20 - (Nasdaq: APAT) --- APA Cables & Networks (APACN), a leader in fiber management solutions and wholly owned subsidiary of APA Enterprises (Nasdaq: APAT), today announced that Paul Bunyan Rural Telephone Cooperative of Bemidji, Minnesota has selected the APA Cables & Networks fiber management platform for their Fiber-to-the-Premise (FTTP) network. After an extensive pilot program over the last year, full deployment began this summer with rapid introduction to more than 20% of homes served by year-end.
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Paul Bunyan selected the APACN Fiber Scalability Center (FSC) because of the modularity of the product platform. Because of the platform's unique design, Paul Bunyan felt they were able to deploy the most value-rich solution without jeopardizing the quality of the deployment.
"We chose APACN because they were the only company that demonstrated the ability to meet our business needs in a timely and cost-effective manner," said Vince Tyson, chief technical officer for Paul Bunyan Telephone. "Due to the rapid advances in FTTH technology, the rules of deployment really aren't set yet. Based upon what we learned in our pilot last summer, APACN was willing to work with us and introduced a product configuration to fit our application."
"We really worked hard to make sure the platform we deployed would be tech-friendly," explained Tyson. "The APACN cabinet is easy to use and flexible. As our clients' needs change, it is necessary to continually update and reconfigure the network. The APACN design is easy to enter and easy to work within. Our field-techs have felt comfortable with the product since the first time APACN demonstrated the solution."
In addition to supplying Paul Bunyan with its selected outside plant cabinet requirements, APACN develops solutions alongside industry-leading technology providers, such as Emerson Network Power to ensure the total solution will meet the customer needs. "We were pleased to work with Emerson in adapting their pedestal to support the splicing requirements of this application," explained Johnny Hill, director of product development for APACN. "It allowed Paul Bunyan to leverage their experience with existing copper technology and incorporate the fiber management solution that is required for a high-performance fiber environment."
Engineered around APACN's Fiber Distribution System, each cabinet within the Fiber Scalability Center platform utilizes field-tested designs to maximize bend radius protection, connector access, ease of cable routing and physical protection. APACN's line of fiber management solutions has been designed to the full range of Telcordia's demanding telecommunications standards, and to the unique requirements of FTTP installations championed by today's innovative independent telephone, television and municipal networks.
About Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative
Paul Bunyan Telephone Cooperative serves over 3,300 square miles of Northern Minnesota with local telephone service, Paul Bunyan Long Distance, Internet services through Paul Bunyan Net, wireless telephone service, and all digital television services through Paul Bunyan Television.
About APA Cables & Networks, Inc.
APA Cables & Networks designs and manufactures a complete line of passive fiber optic connectivity solutions centered upon its Fiber Distribution System (FDS). The FDS product-line supports a wide range of frame and panel configurations, densities, connectors and adapter options and is offered alongside an assortment of passive optical components. In addition, APACN provides a complete line of fiber and copper assemblies for controlled and outside plant environments. APACN is a wholly owned subsidiary of APA Enterprises, Inc. http://www.apacn.com
Forward-looking statements contained herein are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the Company's current expectations and judgments about future developments in the Company's business. Certain important factors could have a material impact on the Company's performance, including, without limitation, delays in or increased costs of production, delays in or lower than anticipated sales of the Company's new products, the Company's ability to sell such products at a profitable price, the Company's ability to fund operations, and other factors discussed from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect actual events.
