Brandi Tubb
816.903.9400
brandi.tubb@upnfiber.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unite Private Networks Announces Extensive Fiber Network Expansion in Iowa
Addition of nearly 700 miles to existing network
Kansas City, MO (October 1, 2014) – Unite Private Networks (UPN) announced a major fiber-optic network expansion today in Iowa. The nearly 700 mile route will create a diverse ring around the state, connecting all major metro areas in central and eastern Iowa including Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Iowa City and Davenport. The new build will add to UPN’s existing network footprint in Iowa. Initial construction of the fiber-optic network will begin in September 2014 and is expected to be completed by 4th Quarter 2015.
The new heavy-count fiber network will support several anchor customers including fiber-to-the-tower and small cell deployment projects for a major wireless carrier.
“We are excited to add a network with such depth and diversity to the state,” said Kevin Anderson, UPN Chief Executive Officer. “For the past 16 years, UPN has been providing high bandwidth services to customers located across 20 states, primarily in the central U.S., and we are looking forward to expanding our reach in Iowa.”
“No other carrier has added this much fiber in Iowa in years,” said Steve Bergeron, UPN Director of Sales. “This will continue to position Iowa as a communications leader in the Midwest.”
“This is exactly the kind of broadband infrastructure investment Iowa needs to be attracting,” said John Stineman, Executive Director of the Heartland Technology Alliance, a regional coalition of business and consumer technology users that advocates for technology and broadband friendly policies. “UPN’s investment will connect Iowans at faster speeds in more places – helping to drive commerce and innovation. Iowa needs to encourage more investments like this in our broadband infrastructure.”
“This project will provide over 200 construction jobs in the state,” said Steve Morgan, UPN Vice President of Construction. “We are making a significant, long-term investment in Iowa.”
“We expect customers to benefit from the lower latency and route diversity provided by the new fiber network. We look forward to providing broader access to the suite of UPN products, including Ethernet services from 10 Mbps to 100 Gbps, wavelength services, Internet access, and dark fiber,” said Jason W. Adkins, UPN Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing.