Smartoptics Group AS

Regulatory Filings • Oct 14, 2025

Geneseo builds redundant and cost-efficient core with Smartoptics

Geneseo builds redundant and cost-efficient core with Smartoptics

Oslo, Norway - October 14, 2025 - Smartoptics, a leading provider of optical

networking solutions, today announced that Geneseo Communications, an innovative

regional communications service provider in Illinois, USA, has modernized its

core network. By using Smartoptics for Layer 1 transport, now separated from

Layer 3 routing, the solution provides cost-efficient scalability, improved

redundancy and simplified operations.

Combining a 120-year history with a focus on innovation, Geneseo Communications

is committed to serving rural communities in Illinois. The communications

service provider has a strong focus on delivering cutting-edge technology to

power high-speed internet, fiber, and wireless solutions for both homes and

businesses. As Geneseo sought to upgrade its aging 10G network, traditional all

-in-one approaches proved costly and complex.

"Clarifying our needs and separating Layer 1 and Layer 3 led us to a far more

compelling Smartoptics solution proposed by our partner Goldfield. The entire

Smartoptics pitch was: 'just plug it in and it'll work' - and that's exactly

what happened. The best part about Smartoptics is that we get simplicity,

capacity and flexibility all in one solution," says Ron Hartman, Central Office

Manager, Geneseo Communications.

Built on Smartoptics open line systems and muxponders, the Geneseo deployment

provides individual 400G rings with 100G dedicated drops to cost-efficient

routers, with only one logical hop back to the core. Using LAG protection, the

design delivers 200G to every location while reducing latency and complexity. In

the next step, Geneseo is planning to extend its network more than 150 miles

east to Chicago with Smartoptics, linking to new transit providers.

"We're seeing a trend in the industry to move away from monolithic, all-in-one

platforms toward separate Layer 1 transport using open line systems. This

approach makes networks easier to manage, more resilient and ready for growth.

Geneseo is a great example of how embracing this shift towards more open

networking solutions provides more flexibility and control, allowing them to

continue setting a high standard for connectivity in rural communities," says

Magnus Grenfeldt, CEO, Smartoptics.

For more information please contact:

Magnus Grenfeldt

CEO

Smartoptics

+46 73-366 88 77

E-mail: magnus.grenfeldt@smartoptics.com

About Smartoptics

Smartoptics provides innovative optical networking solutions and devices for the

new era of open networking. Our customer base includes thousands of enterprises,

governments, cloud providers, Internet exchanges as well as cable and telecom

operators. We have an open networking approach in everything we do which allows

our customers to break unwanted vendor lock-in, remain flexible and minimize

costs. Our solutions are used in metro and regional network applications that

increasingly rely on data center services and specifications. Smartoptics is a

Scandinavian company founded in 2006. We partner with leading technology and

network solution providers such as Brocade, Cisco and Dell and have a global

reach through more than 100 business partners.

For additional information about Smartoptics, please visit

https://www.smartoptics.com/

About Geneseo

Geneseo Communications specializes in delivering cutting-edge connectivity and

communication services and is dedicated to being a strong partner to the

communities we serve. Our main focus is providing high-speed internet services,

fiber optics, and wireless solutions for both homes and businesses ensuring

reliable connections supported by exceptional customer service.  With a highly

skilled team and state-of-the art technology, we are committed to keeping our

customers connected in an increasingly digital world.