On May 2, 2019, Calix, Inc. announced that GoSEMO—the broadband subsidiary of rural Missouri-based electric cooperative SEMO Electric Cooperative—is building out its new fiber network with Calix as part of their efforts to revitalize rural communities.
“Broadband is essential to the advancement of our communities – from taking care of our current members to providing economic development opportunities in the future,” said Sean Vanslyke, CEO of GoSEMO and SEMO Electric Cooperative.
“By partnering with Calix and learning from other electric coops, we have been able to accelerate our projects and build a network that exceeds the expectations of our members. Calix is a proven partner amongst electric cooperatives, and this relationship will be instrumental to the growth and success of our network,” he added.
GoSEMO’s new network delivers gigabit service to communities where broadband options were severely limited, enabling more members to work remotely and attract new business to the area. The Calix GigaCenter and Calix Support Cloud (CSC), key components that now come standard with the new managed Wi-Fi broadband service, are already generating significant interest among SEMO’s 16,000 homes, farms, and businesses.
This cloud-based, managed Wi-Fi solution enables GoSEMO to proactively monitor, diagnose, and manage home networks remotely to address issues before members experience service interruptions. Such Wi-Fi services help revitalize areas by attracting new residents and businesses in areas where the lack of broadband offerings had previously limited economic opportunities.
SEMO Electric is headquartered in Sikeston, Missouri, which actually lies outside its electrical membership serving area. Given the significant excitement from members and residents in neighboring towns, GoSEMO is working with the Municipality of Sikeston to expand beyond its current footprint. In the near future, those adjacent communities will have access to the gigabit service as well.
“Electric cooperatives have the valuable mission of bringing broadband service to underserved communities the same way they brought electricity almost a century ago,” said Skip Hirvela, vice president of sales for Calix. “Calix is proud to support these initiatives that create a lasting impact on so many communities. Our partnership with GoSEMO is creating an experience that will be a game-changer to all community members today and in the future.”
Photo via Adobe Stock.