Calix (CALX) ConneXions 2026 Day 2 summary

AI strategy and network priorities

• AI framed as an immediate business imperative; choose long-term partners with the resources to deliver security, trust, predictability and speed.

• 2027 priorities include expanding capabilities and combining access aggregation with BNG in one E9-2 system, potentially replacing four network boxes and reducing power and staffing needs.

• Workflow Studio is intended to help operators map business processes, identify automation opportunities and deploy agents across functions; leadership must redesign workflows, not just adopt AI tools.

• SmartTown and MDU offerings aim to extend managed connectivity across homes, small businesses and shared spaces; a consumer switch priced below $200 was cited as an upsell and truck-roll reduction opportunity.

Subscriber research and competitive trends

• Second annual switching study surveyed 2,600 subscribers across rural, suburban and urban areas and age groups; the five-year research program is intended to track trends over time.

• 16.1% switched providers in the prior 12 months, a 6.2% increase; 48.9% were actively considering a switch despite 93% reporting high satisfaction.

• Switching rose sharply in rural areas, nearly tripled in the Midwest, and 3.5M–4M subscribers moved to 5G last year.

• Streaming bundles ranked highest among offers discussed; smart-home features ranked second at 42%. Price, speed, availability, service channels and personalized packages also influence loyalty.

• Recommended actions: address economic needs, move quickly to engage in-market subscribers and compete actively with 5G offers.

Behavioral economics and marketing

• Melina Palmer advised translating technical features into customer benefits, reducing jargon and testing alternative descriptions; framing changes perceived value.

• Build a consistent brand experience across channels and ask longtime customers what they would miss; memory and familiarity shape customer behavior.

• Present pricing from a high anchor toward the preferred offer; a higher-priced optional “wingman” can make the target package feel like better value.

• Start with one change, test it and build momentum before taking on more initiatives.