Adtran and Sonic Fiber Internet partner to deliver 50G PON connectivity across California

Rhea-AI Summary

Adtran and Sonic Fiber Internet have partnered to deploy 50G PON connectivity across California, marking a significant advancement in ultra-fast broadband services. The technology delivers symmetrical speeds of 50Gbit/s and is designed to coexist with GPON and XGS-PON, enabling seamless network upgrades without service disruption. The partnership aims to address increasing bandwidth demands from data-intensive applications while supporting emerging standards like Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8. The implementation will focus on high-demand areas, offering cost-effective scalability and reduced operational costs.

Positive

• Strategic partnership to deliver industry-leading 50Gbit/s symmetrical speeds
• Seamless integration with existing GPON and XGS-PON infrastructure
• Cost-effective scalability for future network expansion
• Reduced operational costs through efficient network management

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The strategic partnership between Adtran and Sonic Fiber Internet to deploy 50G PON technology represents an incremental infrastructure advancement rather than a significant immediate revenue driver. While the technology offers impressive 50Gbit/s symmetrical speeds and backward compatibility with existing PON standards, the initial rollout is to targeted high-demand areas in California. The coexistence with GPON and XGS-PON suggests a gradual transition that won't require wholesale network replacement.

The operational cost benefits and future-proofing aspects are promising, particularly for supporting emerging Wi-Fi standards and smart city applications. However, widespread consumer demand for such extreme bandwidth capacity remains uncertain in the near term. For Adtran, this partnership demonstrates technological leadership but likely won't materially impact financials until broader 50G PON adoption accelerates.

News summary:

• 50G PON services will address soaring bandwidth demand from data-intensive applications, streaming and connected devices
• Sonic’s high-speed rollout will empower households and businesses, driving next-generation digital experiences
• Designed for coexistence with GPON and XGS-PON, Adtran’s 50G PON supports streamlined network upgrades without disruption

SANTA ROSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Adtran today announced its strategic collaboration with Sonic Fiber Internet to bring 50Gbit/s passive optical network (50G PON) connectivity to California. The partnership is a proactive step to ensure Sonic continues to deliver ultra-fast broadband services that meet the growing demand for higher capacity and faster speeds across the US. By leveraging Adtran’s 50G PON technology, Sonic aims to lead the industry in connectivity standards for both residential and business customers, enabling a range of applications from smart home integration and advanced entertainment streaming to frictionless remote work and high-speed business connectivity. The technology coexists with GPON and XGS-PON, providing a seamless and cost-efficient upgrade path with no service disruption, while future-proofing the network and ensuring scalability for evolving digital needs. It also supports Combo PON setups, integrating multiple generations of fiber technology to fully maximize deployment flexibility.

Adtran’s 50G PON technology will help Sonic set a new standard for ultra-fast connectivity in the US. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Our partnership with Adtran marks a major milestone in the evolution of ultra-fast connectivity in California. By developing the state’s first 50G PON network, we’re laying the foundation to meet the rapidly growing demands of emerging technologies and data-intensive applications, as well as supporting emerging standards like Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 and beyond,” said Stephen Bradley, VP of sales and marketing at Sonic Fiber Internet. “This collaboration keeps Sonic ahead of industry trends and consumer needs, ensuring our customers always receive the fastest and most reliable internet experience available at the lowest price. It sets the stage for a new era of connectivity, empowering our customers to embrace the future with confidence.”

Adtran and Sonic are joining forces to advance state-of-the-art FTTX connectivity that delivers symmetrical speeds of 50Gbit/s, ensuring bandwidth capacity for even the most demanding applications. Adtran and Sonic’s 50G PON partnership will support targeted rollouts in high-demand areas while providing cost-effective scalability for future growth. The new technology will also help reduce operational costs and environmental impact, making it a sustainable choice for network evolution.

“With their forward-thinking approach to advancing high-speed broadband, it’s no surprise that Sonic is taking a leading role with 50G PON. Our partnership will drive future-ready infrastructure to meet both today’s and tomorrow’s connectivity demands, further strengthening Sonic’s position as a pioneer in ultra-fast, highly reliable internet services,” commented Christoph Glingener, CTO of Adtran. “By integrating with existing fiber networks, 50G PON enables incremental upgrades that minimize disruption while allowing Sonic to stay ahead of market trends. This approach supports a variety of use cases, from enhancing connectivity in homes and high-density residential areas to powering enterprise campuses and public Wi-Fi expansion. It also future-proofs the network for emerging Wi-Fi standards and smart city infrastructure, driving down costs and accelerating widespread adoption.”

For more information on Adtran and Sonic’s 50G PON plans, please register for a joint webinar to be held on November 14.

About Adtran

ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTN and FSE: QH9) is the parent company of Adtran, Inc., a leading global provider of open, disaggregated networking and communications solutions that enable voice, data, video and internet communications across any network infrastructure. From the cloud edge to the subscriber edge, Adtran empowers communications service providers around the world to manage and scale services that connect people, places and things. Adtran solutions are used by service providers, private enterprises, government organizations and millions of individual users worldwide. ADTRAN Holdings, Inc. is also the largest shareholder of Adtran Networks SE, formerly ADVA Optical Networking SE. Find more at Adtran, LinkedIn and X.

Published by
ADTRAN Holdings, Inc.
www.adtran.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241101302692/en/

For media

Gareth Spence

+44 1904 699 358

public.relations@adtran.com

For investors

Rhonda Lambert

+1 256 963 7450

investor.relations@adtran.com

Source: Adtran

FAQ

What speeds will Adtran (ADTN) and Sonic's 50G PON network deliver in California?

The network will deliver symmetrical speeds of 50Gbit/s across California.

When will Adtran (ADTN) and Sonic host their joint webinar about 50G PON plans?

The joint webinar will be held on November 14.

How will Adtran's (ADTN) 50G PON technology integrate with existing networks?

The technology is designed to coexist with GPON and XGS-PON, enabling seamless network upgrades without service disruption.

What Wi-Fi standards will Adtran (ADTN) and Sonic's 50G PON network support?

The network will support emerging standards including Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8, and beyond.