Telecommunications

Fiber Broadband Association advocates for retiring copper in favor of future-proof fiber

FBA's new white paper argues that many telecommunications providers still face unnecessary expenses and complexity by maintaining legacy copper infrastructure, despite having migrated to fiber in core and access networks.

CGA publishes telecom white paper on preventing utility damage trends

(UI) — Based on research among telecommunications stakeholders, CGA’s new research points to the sector’s impact on the U.S. damage prevention system as a whole and recommends key actions telecom organizations can take to drive damages down.

Wisconsin's $42 million broadband infrastructure grant sees overwhelming demand

Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) have announced that the Wisconsin Broadband Office received 124 applications requesting $221.6 million for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program.

Montana telecom completes $11 million, 380-mile fiber cable burial project

(UI) — Blackfoot Communications, headquartered in Missoula, has recently celebrated the successful culmination of a six-year endeavor, entailing an $11 million investment, to install more than 380 miles of cutting-edge fiber optic cable within the Flathead Reservation vicinity around St. Ignatius, according to Government Technology.

Comtech Telecommunications wins $30 million contract to enhance US Army tactical communications

(UI) — Comtech Telecommunications Corp. has been awarded a $30 million contract from Fairwinds Technologies LLC to provide Comtech’s next-generation Troposcatter Family of Systems (FOS) in support of U.S. Army tactical communications.

Wellington City Council adopts digital map for underground infrastructure management

(UI) — The Wellington Underground Asset Map, backed by a $4 million investment, aims to revolutionize the installation and maintenance of buried infrastructure, including telecommunications cables, gas pipes, and other vital services.

Fiber Broadband Association expands state broadband resources with Workforce Development Guidebook

(UI) — FBA’s Workforce Development Guidebook notes that, according to the government’s calculations, 150,000 telecom jobs will be created by BEAD, while research by the Fiber Broadband Association estimates the industry will need over 205,000 new jobs in the next five years to construct, operate, and maintain these new networks in every state.

Crown Electrokinetics partners with telecommunication infrastructure company to build fiber optic network across Northwest US

The agreement expands Crown’s customer base and geographic coverage with operations now in Washington, and soon to expand to Oregon and California.

KCI Technologies acquires Virginia-based telecommunications company

KCI Technologies has acquired National Telecom Design. The acquisition extends KCI’s presence in the telecommunications industry, growing KCI’s engineering, backbone and lateral fiber design, relocation and inspection capabilities for communications clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Georgia to use $240 million in federal cash to build broadband

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the state will spend another $240 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to construct broadband internet to rural locations that don’t currently have connections.

Infinera, NEC deploy solution to connect underground fiber optic networks in US, Mexico

Infinera and NEC Corp. have deployed the partnership’s ICE6 technology, a solution that will help establish a 100% underground and ultra-low latency fiber network to connect Laredo, Texas, with the city of Monterrey in Mexico.

Kentucky governor announces $203 million for broadband expansion

Kentucky took a step toward closing its digital divide when Gov. Andy Beshear announced $203 million in broadband investments to connect areas with no internet access or chronically slow service.

Conterra to invest $22 million in North Carolina broadband infrastructure

Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings announced its continued investment in fiber network growth across Union County, North Carolina, with its initial investment of $9.6 million and an additional estimated $12.7 million expected over 5 years.

Broadband expansion has companies looking to recruit skilled workers

Although major federal investments are aiming to bridge the internet access gap, the funds can only go so far without an increase in the number of workers capable of building and installing high-speed internet infrastructure.

Unity-based telecom is bought by Idaho company

Unity telecommunications has been bought by Direct Communications to serve high-speed internet to rural communities.

FOSA supports new Federal Highway Administration "Dig Once" regulations

The Fiber Optic Sensing Association supports new "Dig Once" policies that go into effect on March 3.

Harbor Link breaks ground on new Baltimore underground conduit project

Harbor Link begins work on a Baltimore telecommunications project that will install 60 miles of conduit to be used for fiber optic cables.

South Dakota Struggles to Provide Rural Broadband Access

As federal officials debate investing billions of dollars in broadband access, South Dakota is planning to invest $100 million as it struggles to extend reliable internet service to every corner of the state.

Santee Cooper is Set to Offer Broadband on its Extra Lines

Santee Cooper is taking company applications to use extra fiber and transmission lines for rural broadband service.

A Wisconsin County Forms Task Force to Expand Internet Access

Dane County, Wis. created a task force to provide internet access to rural communities.

Agreement Provides Fiber-Optic Improvements in Rural Areas

Fiber-Optic improvements will be conducted in a few rural counties.

USDA Awards Alaska Utility $22 Million for Fiber Installation

Alaska Power & Telephone Company has been awarded $21.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install more than 200 miles of fiber optic cable in rural Alaska.

Traverse City Utility Builds out New Fiber Network

A utility in Traverse City, Michigan is building out a new fiber broadband network across the city which includes installation of nearly 15 miles of underground cable.

USDA Awards $750 Million for Rural Broadband Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding nearly $750 million in loans and grants to help improve broadband infrastructure in rural areas around the country.

euNetworks Adds New High Density Fiber Networks in Milan and Madrid

euNetworks Group Limited (“euNetworks”), a Western European bandwidth infrastructure company, has announced that it has undertaken further network investment in Europe, building duct based, high fiber count networks in the cities of Milan and Madrid.

Australian Fiber-Optics to Bring High-Speed Internet to East Timor

Australia on Friday announced a new maritime security agreement with East Timor in which the fledgling democracy will gain naval infrastructure and an undersea internet link with the world as China increases its influence in the region.

Pennsylvania Counties Using Fiber Optics to Improve 911 Capabilities

For years, fiber-optic cables have been the gold standard in speed and reliability for telecommunication networks. Not only do they provide much faster internet data speeds for homes and businesses, they allow for larger and more complex data sets to be transferred at no loss to speed or quality.

MTA to Build First All-Terrestrial Fiber Line From Alaska to Contiguous U.S.

MTA Fiber Holdings, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MTA, Alaska’s best choice for technology and communications products, announced today that it plans to build AlCan ONE (Alaska Canada Overland Network), the first and only all-terrestrial fiber network connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States and beyond.

West Virginia Governor Announces Infrastructure Grants

Gov. Jim Justice says West Virginia has secured $3.4 million in federal grants to help improve broadband and wastewater infrastructure in McDowell County.

Herrenknecht’s E-Power Pipe Nominated for Major International Award

Herrenknecht was nominated for the bauma Innovation Award 2019 in the “Machine” category. The company’s E-Power Pipe technology is a trenchless method for the economic and environmentally friendly installation of underground cables.