First phase of statewide NC broadband network project complete :: Editor...
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http://wraltechwire.com/business/tech_wire/news/blogpost/11031700/
Updated Apr. 27, 2012 at 9:45 a.m.
By WRAL Tech Wire RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — The vision of providing North Carolinians with access to broadband Internet access from the coast to the mountains took another major step toward becoming a reality on Friday. MCNC, which operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) says that the first phase of a statewide expansion is now complete. To mark the first-stage completion of MCNC's statewide project that is expanding the N.C. Research and Education Network, MCNC is also hosting a Twitter"town hall" to discuss the project. “This first phase of the project already is having a positive impact on student learning, patient outcomes in health care, economic outcomes in job creation and community development, and is accelerating innovation and research all across the state,” said MCNC Chief Executive Officer Joe Freddoso. “Our goal is to continue creating infrastructure that meets the advanced needs of research, education, and health care while stabilizing costs to consumers and small businesses in areas where affordable broadband currently isn’t available.” NCREN is being expanded through a series of federal grants, support from the Golden LEAF economic development group, its own resources and private sector partners. The entire project will cost $144 million and is called the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative due in part to Golden LEAF's economic support. The first phase of the fiber network project also drew $4 million in private investment from FRC LLC. MCNC designed and put in place "Community Anchor Institution" network access points where schools, universities, community colleges, and other public institutions can access the network. Through partners such as FRC LLC, commercial institutions can also access the network through fiber that is not maintained by MCNC but leased to private entities. Golden LEAF contributed $24 million to the project. MCNC is adding 2,604 miles of new fiber to the network through two phases of construction. The first phase included 904 miles.
4/27/2012 9:58 AM