Mid-Atlantic Broadband Completes NTIA/BTOP Middle Mile Fiber Project on Schedule and $1 million Under Budget
Advanced open-access fiber network now connects 100% of all K-12 schools in southern Virginia
South Boston, VA (October 14, 2013) – The Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC), a successful wholesale open-access network transport provider, announced today the successful completion of the $20 million capital project to connect more than 120 K-12 schools in southern Virginia. The US Department of Commerce’s Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awarded MBC a $16 million grant which was matched with a $4 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission. MBC completed the project within the allotted timeframe and under budget, saving $1 million.
The successful completion of this project ensures that every school in southern Virginia now has access to an advanced fiber optic network, achieving the mission of delivering robust, scalable bandwidth that can meet their needs now or 20 years from now. MBC’s open-access wholesale transport business model ensures that schools will always have competitive options for their choice of retail telecom service providers. This network can now support broadband connectivity from 10 Megabits to 10 Gigabits for every school in southern Virginia.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for the entire MBC team,” said Tad Deriso, President & CEO of MBC. “We take our fiduciary responsibility very seriously and while there were many challenges to overcome on this project, our team performed flawlessly. I would like to personally commend the MBC team members who were directly involved in this project including Gray Ramsey, Doug Herrin, Janet Rogers, Liz Smith, Fred Wilkinson, Billy Call, Don Kendrick, Chase Weddle and Chris Coleman. Their efforts will make a positive difference in the lives of more than 58,000 students every year with this advanced network infrastructure.”
“We commend the MBC team for their fiscal responsibility and effective management of this fiber optic network project,” said State Senator Frank Ruff (R-Clarksville). “We’re pleased that the Virginia Tobacco Commission matching fund investment could leverage this large grant to ensure our schools are connected to a robust fiber network and will pay dividends for our communities for many years to come.”
Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Virginia) stated, “I congratulate MBC for their efforts to address the complex challenge of broadband access for our K-12 schools. This critical network infrastructure is a long-term asset that not only enables the private sector to expand their broadband services, but also assists our students in competing in the global, networked economy.”
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