Great Lakes Comnet to Double Fiber Network

EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Lakes Comnet (GLC), a rapidly growing broadband and switching infrastructure company, today announced plans to more than double its fiber network to offer customers increased reliability, state-of-the-art technology and faster data speeds.

GLC has more than 1,800 fiber miles stretched throughout Michigan and the Midwest. An additional 2,000 miles are under construction.

Telecommunications carriers and their customers served by GLC will benefit from next-generation voice, video, SS7 and data service technologies.

"This expansion will help strengthen our carriers' position in the market, reduce their costs and make them more competitive," said Paul Bowman, Chief Executive Officer of GLC.  "We're becoming the go-to company for broadband connectivity and telecommunications services."

GLC has the only independently owned and operated Class 4/Tandem switch in Michigan. This state-of-the-art switch connects more than 150 carriers.  With a vertically integrated system of Voice, SS7, Data and Transport, GLC efficiently facilitates voice and data communications globally.

"We are truly a carrier's carrier in the telecommunications industry, offering a full range of products and services including dark, dim and lit fiber solutions," said John Summersett, Chief Operating Officer of GLC.

GLC's fiber expansion is made possible, in part, by $69.6 million in federal stimulus money that was awarded to a partnership of Michigan providers to construct 1,270 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure in Michigan to bring broadband service to underserved areas across the state.

Potentially, 1.8 million people, more than 525,000 households, 49,000 businesses and 569 community institutions will benefit from high-speed internet access, which is considered a critical component of Michigan's ongoing efforts to diversify its economy.

"As Michigan continues to move into the new, knowledge-based economy, GLC will be there to provide support and industry-leading services and technology," said Summersett.  "We're proud of our Michigan track record – since becoming operational in 2001 we've been able to expand and reinvest in the state every year."

Since 2001 Great Lakes Comnet (GLC) has provided its carriers with state-of-the-art technology to meet their increasingly sophisticated communications needs. GLC serves clients in 80 countries. Its shareholders are 20 independent telephone companies operating throughout Michigan, some with more than a century of telecommunications experience. Telecommunications carriers interested in learning more about GLC's fiber expansion and services should call 517-664-1600. For more information about GLC visit www.glcom.net.

SOURCE Great Lakes Comnet