OpenCape Receives $32 Million NTIA Broadband Grant
HERNDON, VA, March 12, 2010 – RCN Metro Optical Networks, a division of RCN Corporation (NASDAQ:RCNI, news, filings) and a premier provider of fiber optic-based network solutions, today announced that following the NTIA’s announcement that OpenCape Corporation was awarded a $32M broadband stimulus grant that they have kicked off a project to design, build and manage the network on OpenCape Corporation’s behalf. The 350-mile network will span from the South Coast of Massachusetts onto Cape Cod and the Islands and will serve as the broadband backbone for this region. RCN Metro was selected in a competitive process last July to design, build and maintain this regional open access network as part of a public-private partnership.
“We are very happy for the OpenCape Corporation and the residents of Southeastern Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and the Islands,” said Felipe Alvarez, President of RCN Metro Optical Networks. “RCN Metro’s unique expertise in designing, building and operating middle mile, high speed optical networks will ensure communities in this region have reliable access to the highest quality telecommunications services available now and for the next 50 years.”
The OpenCape project, expected to be completed in phases over three years, consists of a core fiber backbone that connects Cape Cod to two of RCN Metro’s major regional network access points in Providence and Brockton, a high capacity optical transport system, a microwave radio overlay, and a regional colocation center. All of these elements combine to provide a robust, high capacity communications infrastructure that sets the stage for cost effective last mile connectivity. The OpenCape colocation center will serve as the focal point of network operations and provide leased colocation space for public and private organizations in the region.
“OpenCape is thrilled to be a stimulus grant recipient. Cape Cod and the Islands are in desperate need of a ubiquitous, reliable, redundant, and cost competitive telecommunications infrastructure,” said Dan Gallagher, President of OpenCape Corporation. “When we first conceived this project, we knew we needed to identify an experienced private operating partner to perform the complex technical network construction and operation. RCN Metro emerged as the ideal partner for this project based on their deep experience designing, building and operating highly successful middle mile networks.”
The OpenCape network will help the region’s communities overcome the distance and technology barrier by expanding connectivity between anchor institutions. Initial services on this network include dedicated point-to-point SONET and Ethernet from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps., Switched Ethernet Services from 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gbps, Wavelength Services from 1.25 Mbps to 10 Gbps, and Internet Access with the network designed to be able to support additional capabilities required to meet the future needs of the community.. The OpenCape network path makes it possible for many additional anchor institutions to easily add service from the network.
For more information on RCN Metro’s Customer Optical Network solutions, please visit: http://www.rcnmetro.com/services-private-network.php
About RCN Metro Optical Networks
RCN Metro, http://www.rcnmetro.com, is a premier provider of high-capacity transport services for carriers as well as large and medium-sized businesses. RCN Metro offers a comprehensive suite of services including: Ethernet, SONET, Wavelength, Video Transport, Internet and more. With a network leveraging unique rights-of-way, spanning from Maine to Virginia and out to Chicago, RCN Metro deploys custom solutions to service providers as well as companies in the finance, hospitality, media, government, health care and education industries. RCN Metro is a wholly owned division of RCN Corporation.
About RCN Corporation
RCN Corporation, (NASDAQ: RCNI) www.rcn.com, is a competitive broadband services provider delivering all-digital and high definition video, high-speed internet and premium voice services to residential and small-medium business customers under the brand names of RCN and RCN Business Services, respectively. In addition, through its RCN Metro Optical Networks business unit, RCN delivers fiber-based high-capacity data transport services to large commercial customers, primarily large enterprises and carriers, targeting the metropolitan central business districts in the company’s geographic markets. RCN’s primary service areas include Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley (PA), New York City, Boston and Chicago. (RCNI-G)
About OpenCape Corporation
The OpenCape Corporation (www.opencape.com) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. OpenCape Corporation’s purpose is to fulfill the need for a regional communications network on Cape Cod and the Islands to enhance education, research, and economic development, AND provide for an emergency communications network in times of crisis.
PR Archives: Latest, By Company, By Date