Oct 13 2010
MCNC, a non-profit organization, announced that three companies will share the $20 million funding for expanding the fiber-optic network of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). Another company has been selected for a further $1.8 million contract dedicated to the optical design segment of the project.
MCNC had asked for proposals from various contractors in August, to develop a fiber cable network, which will link universities, colleges, and schools in North Carolina to a fiber-optic network.
Fiber Technologies has been awarded a contract for expanding the fiber-optic network in the western region. The company will deploy nearly 200 miles of fiber, including segments from the cities of Hendersonville to Huntersville, Enka to Sylva, Asheville to Old Fort, and Hickory to Lenoir.
Globe Communications will expand the fiber-optic services in the eastern region. The expansion includes nearly 220 miles from Rocky Mount to Wilmington, running through the cities of Jacksonville, Morehead City, New Bern, and Greenville. Comtech will fiber splice this part of the project, whereas Cisco Systems will provide the optical design portion for the project.
The fiber-optic project is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. When the installations are completed, NCREN will serve over 180,000 businesses and 1,500 anchor institutions.