Internet provider’s HFC network upgrade features ATX’s GigaXtend 1.8GHz-capable amplifiers, taps, passives and professional services

ATX Networks, a global leader in broadband access and media distribution solutions, is supplying Bluepeak, one of the largest and most innovative broadband providers serving the Great Plains region, with next-gen outside plant equipment to provide its subscribers with the fastest and most reliable Internet connectivity available.

ATX’s GigaXtend^® portfolio of HFC network equipment is recognized as an industry leader in performance, operational efficiency and technician-friendly design. Bluepeak selected ATX’s outside plant portfolio to quickly and cost-efficiently upgrade its existing network to meet subscriber requirements for speed, reliability and customer experience well into the future.

“Bluepeak is committed to helping our customers reach their full potential through exceptional broadband connectivity,” said Eric Fligel, Vice President of Engineering & IT at Bluepeak. “By teaming with ATX, we are bringing world-class Internet connectivity to current customers while at the same time prepping our network to meet the broadband needs of future generations.”

The Bluepeak upgrade includes Line Extenders, System Amplifiers and Booster Amplifiers from ATX’s GMC Series of 1.8GHz-capable Amplifiers, as well as the company’s GigaXtend XS 2GHz Taps and Passives. The Mid-Tier service provider, one of the first to deploy DOCSIS 4.0-capable amplifiers, also contracted with ATX’s Professional Services organization for equipment installation, including configuration, testing and active and passive splicing.

In addition to futureproofing its network to eventually deliver multigigabit symmetrical services, Bluepeak was attracted to the operational flexibility and advanced intelligence built into ATX amplifiers, which are being fitted with low-cost transponders that support two-way communications. ATX introduced and demonstrated its comprehensive and multi-layered monitoring and management solution that leverages the award-winning GigaXtend Orchestrator configuration app at SCTE^® TechExpo24 in September.

By leveraging intelligence built into HFC amplifiers through standards-based transponders, Bluepeak will be able to enhance customer experience by remotely gathering information to proactively pinpoint network problems, decrease the time it takes to find and correct network failures, capture a quick and accurate inventory of network assets and automate time-consuming maintenance tasks, such as firmware updates.

ATX GigaXtend 1.8GHz Line Extenders and System Amplifiers are the next generation of GainMaker^® HFC amplifiers, technology that the company acquired from Cisco^® in 2020. Bluepeak is purchasing full amplifier systems from ATX, replacing the non-Cisco amplifiers currently residing in the service provider’s network.

“ATX is honored to assist Bluepeak in fulfilling its mission of enriching the lives of its subscriber communities through world-class broadband that increases digital equity and positively impacts their daily lives,” said Jess Zelaya, ATX’s Senior Vice President of Access Sales. “ATX’s GigaXtend outside plant equipment provides Bluepeak with the power and flexibility to evolve its network cost efficiently and to always stay ahead of customer demand and the competition.”

Bluepeak, utilizing ATX’s professional services team, began installing GigaXtend amplifiers, taps and passives at the end of 2024.