FairPoint Expands Ethernet Solutions to 1 Gbps

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FairPoint Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRP), a provider of advanced data, voice and video technologies to residential, business and wholesale customers, today announced the availability of Ethernet-based bandwidth and transport capacity of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) for its business, government and education customers. Now, more than 35,000 eligible service locations in 32 markets across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont can enjoy powerful Ethernet connections with fast, symmetrical, dedicated data transport speeds of up to 1 Gbps.

FairPoint's Ethernet Private Line and Ethernet Dedicated Internet Access products meet the demands of some of the region's largest institutions, such as regional health care facilities, financial institutions, and government and education entities. These speeds also far exceed the guidelines of 100 Mbps set forth in educational mandates like ConnectEd.

Since reliable network capacity and real-time data transport is essential to ensuring positive outcomes for the constituents of these organizations, the federal government has stepped in to provide funding to support widespread access. Programs like E-Rate for schools and libraries and Healthcare Connect for health care providers offer reimbursement for a portion of the expenses related to the delivery of network connectivity.

The New England Telehealth Consortium (NETC), a three-state consortium of more than 300 health care facilities, is a prime beneficiary of FairPoint's fiber-based, high-capacity network.

"Being able to connect quickly and confidently between health care providers across the region is mission-critical to enable NETC facilities to provide top quality care through enhanced telemedicine and information sharing," said Jim Rogers, president of ProInfoNet and the founder of NETC. "We offer each location speeds up to 1 Gigabit, fostering the connections needed to meet the industry requirements for fast, reliable bandwidth."

Since 2008, FairPoint has invested more than $700 million in communications infrastructure and technology to reach new customers, upgrade its network and expand broadband in northern New England, including expanding access to its Ethernet network. In fact, FairPoint's network reaches more than 95 percent of businesses in northern New England.

FairPoint Ethernet is delivered over the largest fiber-based network in northern New England with over 16,000 miles of fiber and 380 network access points.

"We are excited to offer even more bandwidth to our customers so they can benefit from the latest data and voice communications technologies," said Chris Alberding, FairPoint's vice president of product management. "With a choice of redundant network connections, customers can configure the type and speed of connection that is optimal for their business now, with the confidence that FairPoint can also meet their need for scalable bandwidth solutions in the future."

Not all services are available in all areas. Submit an online request for information or contact your account manager to learn more about FairPoint Ethernet services.

About FairPoint Communications, Inc.

FairPoint Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: FRP) provides advanced data, voice and video technologies to single and multi-site businesses, public and private institutions, consumers, wireless companies and wholesale re-sellers in 17 states.  Leveraging an owned, fiber-core Ethernet network — including more than 16,000 route miles of fiber in northern New England — FairPoint has the network coverage, scalable bandwidth and transport capacity to support enhanced applications, including the next generation of mobile and cloud-based communications, such as small cell wireless backhaul technology, voice over IP, data center colocation services, managed services and disaster recovery.  For more information, visit www.FairPoint.com.

SOURCE FairPoint Communications, Inc.