Brightspeed Business, the U.S.’s #5 incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC), announced the opening of its new innovation facility. The Kansas City, Mo.-based Brightspeed Technology Advancement Center (BTAC) will recreate existing Brightspeed network infrastructure to provide a testing environment for voice, DSL, broadband fiber, Wi-Fi hardware and software. It will also lend a simulated environment for Brightspeed to integrate technology to bolster the customer experience and drive cross-network efficiencies. “As we build our future-proof, nextgeneration network, we have a great opportunity to incorporate advanced technologies,” said Brian Bond, Brightspeed chief of Operations Support and Innovation. “Working with our vendor partners, we have successfully recreated our network in a secure environment, and we now have the freedom to test cutting-edge technologies, create our own innovations and assess their effectiveness without disrupting the network or our customers’ services.” The BTAC will also house equipment and infrastructure from partners Calix, Cisco, Ribbon, Adtran, Nokia, RAD, Ciena, DZS, AXON Networks, Fujitsu, VIAVI, Infinera, Corning, Codecom and Casa Systems to further support new device, software and firmware testing. It will also serve as an innovation hub for ideation, process and design improvements, automation and risk mitigation. ❐ For more information on Brightspeed, visit www.brightspeed.com or stop by Booth 100 or Meeting Lounge 1 in the Expo Hall. 8 THE INCOMPAS SHOW I OCTOBER 8 - 10, 2023 www.bekabusinessmedia.com DAY 1 Brightspeed Launches Brightspeed Technology Advancement Center in Kansas City Great Plains Communications (GPC) is deploying packet network technology in over 100 markets in Nebraska. The digital infrastructure provider – which owns an 18,000+-mile fiber network spanning 13 states – will focus on major metro market deployments such as Omaha, Blair, Gretna, Ralston, Papillion, La Vista, Kearney, McCook and Broken Bow. This technology is expected to support high bandwidth delivery for up to 100Gbps next-gen packet services for enterprises, wireless towers, wholesale customers, data centers and hyperscalers, in addition to providing higher bandwidth capability for residential users. GPC’s reliable packet technology is based on segment routing to provide optimum network performance and flexibility with operational simplicity, reduced downtime and fast re-route support. The full network rollout is slated for completion in late 2024. “Great Plains Communications is committed to continually investing in the technical foundation of our network,” said GPC CTO Tony Thakur. “Next-gen packet networking allows us to meet the increasing needs of our customers with reliable, fast connectivity, and optimize the overall customer experience. These types of forward-thinking improvements also position our network and our customers for future success as technology advancement and bandwidth demand continues to evolve.” ❐ For more information on Great Plains Communications, visit www.gpcom.com or stop by Deal Center Tables 1 and 2. Critical Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has tapped Network Connex to provide professional services – including feasibility studies, fiber engineering and permitting services – for the Blue Ridge Run Network. This lowlatency route spans 767 miles, connecting Ashburn, Va.; Nashville, Tenn.; and Huntsville, Ala., and will bring fiber broadband closer to rural locations throughout the Southeastern U.S.. Construction will occur in two phases, with Phase I beginning in the 2023 fourth quarter. This part will include the design and construction of two fiber rings in Ashburn that connect to an approximately 40-mile hyperscale fiber ring under construction to link its vital data center alley to facilities in Frederick, Md. Phase II will continue southwest toward Bristol, Va., and include early-stage planning and design expertise. Network Connex will also lend construction and crucial program management oversight to the project. “We feel we have identified a gap in the national fiber infrastructure routes that, when filled, will provide reduced latency and redundancy to a muchneeded route traversing the East Coast through the Mid-Atlantic region,” said CIP Managing Partner Matthew Chapdelaine. “It will deliver robust capacity and the opportunity to replace existing aging infrastructure.” CIP owns, operates and invests in telco fiber infrastructure businesses. Along with its partner resources, it has decades of knowledge in private fiber, 5G cellular, open access and smart city rollouts. ❐ For more information on Critical Infrastructure Partners, visit www.cipinvestconnect.com. Critical Infrastructure Partners Selects Network Connex Professional Services for Blue Ridge Run Network Installation Great Plains Communications to Lay Packet Network Technology Throughout Nebraska
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg4Njc=