Pioneer Selects Ribbon for Optical Network Expansion

Rhea-AI Summary

Ribbon Communications (Nasdaq: RBBN) announced an expansion of its relationship with Pioneer for optical network upgrades. Pioneer will implement Ribbon's Apollo programmable and open optical networks, featuring modular C+L band technology for seamless fiber capacity expansion. The solution includes Muse SDN Domain Orchestration for enhanced network efficiency through automation, planning, node design, and real-time control.

Pioneer, an existing Ribbon voice solutions customer, selected the company for this network upgrade to deliver increased bandwidth and high-speed connectivity to meet their members' and subscribers' needs. The implementation allows Pioneer to expand fiber capacity to L-band without service interruption.

Positive

• Expansion of existing customer relationship from voice solutions to optical networking
• Implementation of flexible 400G network technology
• Deployment of advanced SDN orchestration capabilities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Tech Expert

The network expansion deal with Pioneer represents a strategic win for Ribbon Communications, showcasing their ability to cross-sell IP optical networking solutions to existing voice solution customers. The implementation of Apollo programmable networks with C+L band capability offers Pioneer significant technical advantages, particularly in terms of future-proofing their infrastructure. The modular design allowing seamless expansion to L-band without service interruption is a key technical differentiator. The inclusion of Muse SDN Domain Orchestration adds value through network automation and real-time control capabilities, which should result in operational efficiencies. While this represents positive momentum in Ribbon's optical networking business, the deal's size and financial terms are not disclosed, limiting the ability to quantify its direct impact on Ribbon's revenue or market position.

Market Research Analyst

This deal highlights Ribbon's successful strategy of leveraging existing customer relationships to expand into additional service offerings, particularly in the growing optical networking market. The company's ability to convert voice solution customers into optical networking clients demonstrates strong customer satisfaction and trust in their technology stack. With a relatively modest market cap of $684M, each new contract win in the higher-margin optical networking segment could meaningfully impact Ribbon's financial performance. However, without specific contract values or timelines, it's challenging to quantify the immediate financial impact. The deal reinforces Ribbon's market position in the telecommunications infrastructure sector and suggests potential for similar cross-selling opportunities within their existing customer base.

Flexible 400G network delivers increased bandwidth

PLANO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ribbon Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: RBBN), which helps many of the world's largest service providers, enterprises and critical infrastructure operators modernize and protect their networks with its state-of-the-art real time communications technology and IP optical networking solutions, today announced the expansion of its relationship with Pioneer.

"Our members and subscribers expect high speed connectivity and access to modern capabilities, and this network upgrade highlights our commitment to meeting their needs," said Blake Callaham, Pioneer's General Manager. "We have been utilizing Ribbon's voice solutions in our network for many years and found their technology, expertise, and attentive support well-suited to meet our needs. We trust they will perform in the same manner with our new IP optical networking solution."

Pioneer is leveraging Ribbon's Apollo programmable and open optical networks for this upgrade. The modular C+L band enables Pioneer to seamlessly expand fiber capacity to L-band on their own timeframe, and without service interruption, for maximum flexibility. Additionally, Ribbon's Muse SDN Domain Orchestration ensures peak network efficiency through automation, planning, node design, and real-time control.

"We're proud of the confidence that Pioneer has placed in us for this network upgrade," said Elizabeth Page, Ribbon's Senior Director, National Sales. "It's particularly gratifying to see a voice solutions customer entrust us with their optical network, demonstrating the quality of our solutions and the strength of our relationship."

About Ribbon
Ribbon Communications (Nasdaq: RBBN) delivers communications software, IP and optical networking solutions to service providers, enterprises and critical infrastructure sectors globally. We engage deeply with our customers, helping them modernize their networks for improved competitive positioning and business outcomes in today's smart, always-on and data-hungry world. Our innovative, end-to-end solutions portfolio delivers unparalleled scale, performance, and agility, including core to edge software-centric solutions, cloud-native offers, leading-edge security and analytics tools, along with IP and optical networking solutions for 5G. We maintain a keen focus on our commitments to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters, offering an annual Sustainability Report to our stakeholders. To learn more about Ribbon, please visit rbbn.com.

Important Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  
The information in this release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this release, including those regarding the expected benefits from use of Ribbon Communication's products, are forward-looking statements. The actual results of Ribbon Communications may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. For further information regarding risks and uncertainties associated with Ribbon Communications' business, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of Ribbon Communications' most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements represent Ribbon Communications' views only as of the date on which such statement is made and should not be relied upon as representing Ribbon Communications' views as of any subsequent date. While Ribbon Communications may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point, Ribbon Communications specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Investor Contact 
+1 (978) 614-8050
ir@rbbn.com       

Media Contact
Catherine Berthier
+1 (646) 741-1974
cberthier@rbbn.com 

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SOURCE Ribbon Communications Inc.

FAQ

What network technology is Pioneer implementing with Ribbon Communications (RBBN)?

Pioneer is implementing Ribbon's Apollo programmable and open optical networks with modular C+L band technology, capable of 400G network delivery and featuring Muse SDN Domain Orchestration for network efficiency.

How will Pioneer's network upgrade with Ribbon (RBBN) benefit their subscribers?

The network upgrade will provide increased bandwidth and high-speed connectivity to Pioneer's members and subscribers, with the ability to seamlessly expand fiber capacity without service interruption.

What is the significance of Pioneer selecting Ribbon (RBBN) for their optical network expansion?

Pioneer's selection of Ribbon represents an expansion of their existing relationship, as they were already using Ribbon's voice solutions and chose to trust them with their optical network based on their technology, expertise, and support.