Operation IFAST Unites Calix Customers and Local Law Enforcement in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that longtime customer CLtel and nonprofit Guardian Group have reached a milestone in the fight against human trafficking with the launch of the IFAST Toolkit at NTCA’s RTIME 2025 conference. A key resource of Operation IFAST—founded by Chris Lovell (CLtel) and Andrea Perry (Guardian Group)—the toolkit trains broadband field technicians to recognize and report signs of human trafficking during onsite visits. It equips broadband service providers (BSPs) with streamlined training and resources from Guardian Group to empower local law enforcement, spread awareness, and raise funds. With BSP technicians entering homes and businesses every day, they are uniquely positioned to identify red flags and make a difference. Unveiled to 2,600 broadband leaders at RTIME, the toolkit launch marks a significant step in expanding Operation IFAST into a nationwide movement.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250325876099/en/

Mason City, Iowa Police Chief Jeff Brinkley with Operation IFAST founders Andrea Perry (Guardian Group) and Chris Lovell (CLtel)

An estimated 24,000 adults and children fell victim to human trafficking in the United States in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of State. Today, more than 60 BSPs across 17 states have joined Operation IFAST, including Calix customers like Alliance Communications, Horry Telephone Cooperative (HTC), and YK Communications. With Calix recently integrating Operation IFAST materials into Calix University, the program now reaches thousands more broadband professionals nationwide.

“From the moment I met Andrea and the Guardian Group team, I knew the broadband industry could do more to help the fight against human trafficking,” said Lovell. “In just three years, we’ve built incredible momentum, and, with the IFAST Toolkit, I’m confident we’ll soon have trained technicians in every state. Broadband service providers are uniquely positioned to spot signs of human trafficking and report them quickly because of their close community interactions and relationships with local law enforcement. The impact is already clear—early adopters have identified red flags they once missed, and field technicians have embraced the training with pride and responsibility.”