Integra Telecom is working on a broad-scale expansion of its IP and carrier Ethernet network infrastructure in Minneapolis. With construction focused on the Central Business District (CBD), Integra will complete its build-out of about 1,600 fiber miles in the fourth quarter of 2013, which allows over 225 downtown-area buildings and more than 3,000 businesses to access Integra’s comprehensive portfolio of high-bandwidth solutions.
The expansion builds upon a presence in the Minneapolis metro area that began in 1998 and grew with the company’s 2007 acquisition of Eschelon Telecom.
“The construction in Minneapolis marks the largest single network investment made by Integra in eight years that is aimed at expanding our fiber footprint,” said Kevin O’Hara, president and CEO at Integra. “This construction, along with our continued focus on organically growing our network through the addition of on-net buildings, demonstrates our continued commitment to expanding our footprint and extending our reach to serve a wider range of customers. We expect to make additional network investments in this market, and in other markets in and around our current regional footprint where we see similarly compelling market opportunities.”
Integra can now deliver its portfolio to a wider base via its channel partners, featuring carrier Ethernet services, IP/MPLS VPN and managed and cloud Services, including Integra’s hosted voice service and cloud firewall. Its Ethernet-over-copper-based services support network bandwidths of up to 100Mbps and fiber-based services offering speeds up to 1Gbps.
The expansion is part of an ongoing strategic initiative by Integra to tap new demand for carrier Ethernet services and other enterprise solutions from industries such as health care, government and education as well as professional services.
“As one of Integra’s largest markets, Minneapolis presents a natural opportunity to extend our network reach,” added O’Hara. “The Central Business District is home to an unmatched concentration of mid-sized and enterprise businesses, many in sectors such as health care, financial services, government and education that align well with our expanded portfolio of products.”
