Continuous-wave (CW) broadband in the C- and L-band wavelength regions is demonstrated by introducing a highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) in an erbium-doped fiber ring laser (EDFRL). A broadband spectrum of ∼39 nm in the L-band and ∼21 nm in the C-band were obtained at pump powers as low as ∼200 mW with appropriate optimizations. Demultiplexed output from the broadband generated in the C-band region is tested for wavelength and power stability for consideration as a suitable source for various applications. The wavelength and power fluctuations have been observed to be at most ∼0.02 nm and ∼0.3 dBm, respectively. © 2010 IEEE.