KMTelecom deploys Amino HD set-top boxes for Minnesota IPTV rollout

CAMBRIDGE, UK — KMTelecom, the Minnesota-based service provider, has completed the latest phase of its IPTV rollout deploying Amino set-top boxes across its fiber-to-the-home network.

After a competitive product pitch, KMTelecom selected Amino’s A140 HD devices as part of its offering which also includes telephone and high speed Internet.

Seen as a model for rural broadband deployments in the US, KMTelecom has invested over $6m over the last seven years in bringing FTTH to communities in and around the communities of Kasson and Mantorville, close to Rochester, MN. Outlying areas of the network have also seen upgrades with VDSL2 technology to improve bandwidth and enable the delivery of IPTV services.

KMTelecom utilizes the A140s inherent support for “off the shelf” USB hard drives to add PVR capability to the A140– now a popular choice for customers, according to KMTelecom’s Chief Technical Officer Russell Leitzen.

“We have been very pleased with the performance of the A140. It’s been very solid and reliable and by adding a commercially available hard drive as a simple “plug and play” option, it’s proved very popular with our customers. They also like the remote control – and how easy the STB picks up the IR signals,” he said.

With roots stretching back to 1901, KMTelecom now serves over 4,000 homes with the IPTV service offering a full range of pay-TV services as well as local news, community programming and an emergency alert for impending dangerous weather.

Amino CEO Donald McGarva added: “KMTelecom is at the forefront of broadband innovation in rural America and has used IPTV – and a wide range of pay-TV and local, community content – as a real differentiator. They have exacting standards to match their high quality customer service levels and we are delighted to be working with them on their future deployments.”