Fiberutilities Group signs Contract with ICN for Managing Network Operations Center and Related Field Services

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Fiberutilities Group, LLC announces the signing of a contract with the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) to provide technical staff for the operation and services of the ICN, including management systems, on-site technicians to staff ICN's Network Operations Center located in Johnston, IA, and field support staff located around the state. Fiberutilities Group's contract will begin on January 1, 2015. The contract was officially signed on October 2, 2014.

The Iowa Communications Network is a robust network offering statewide voice, video and symmetrical Ethernet connectivity to more than a thousand education facilities, hospitals, libraries, public safety entities, workforce development sites, and other authorized users. The ICN facilities feature over 9,000 miles of fiber reaching all 99 counties in Iowa, positioning the ICN as one of the largest statewide networks in the country.

Ric Lumbard, ICN's Executive Director, explained that the ICN has valued and surrounded itself with strong public/private partnerships; it has been a major part of our strength as a carrier. Lumbard added, "This next season of growth will push that value even further and require even more partnership strength. Through several major projects, Fiberutilities Group has demonstrated their commitment to this partnership, and the technical prowess needed to operate an extensive network resource like the State of Iowa has in the ICN."

As part of its long term commitment to the ICN project, Fiberutilities Group has created and established Fiberutilities Network Services, LLC as a wholly owned subsidiary to provide services to the state owned network.

"The team at Fiberutilities is pleased to have the opportunity to, once again, work with the ICN. We have worked together on several successful, long term projects in the past and, based on that experience, we are confident that the new partnership will be beneficial to both organizations," said Rob Smith, president of Fiberutilities Network Services. Smith added, "Most importantly, however, we believe the partnership will benefit telecommunications users who rely on the Iowa Communications Network every day. We are looking forward to getting started."

"Fiberutilities Group's long term success has come from building and growing client centric partnerships. Designing, building and operating large client controlled networks is what Fiberutilities was created to do", said Scot Eberle, CEO of Fiberutilities Group. "Our new ICN agreement to provide network operations assets and expertise to the ICN is natural addition to Fiberutilities' history of assisting large enterprises in making maximum use of their network assets."

About Fiberutilities Group

Fiberutilities Group, LLC (FG) is privately held, Iowa-based organization focused on bringing the benefits of world class, client-controlled connectivity to public and private businesses and enterprises. FG has successfully managed major Rural Health Care Pilot Projects (RHCPP) as well as American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funded Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) projects and continues to provide operational support for several of them. The organizers, partners and principle players in FG are network professionals, each with more than 25 years of executive level experience in legal, technical, operational, marketing and sales aspects of networking and communications.

FG is a technology, carrier and vendor-neutral professional services company that manages optical fiber, wireless, copper and coaxial solutions to the unique specifications of its private and public sector clients. FG also provides seamless network management services using a 7x24x365 dual / redundant virtual NOC. FG is not a carrier and does not represent or work in an agency relationship with carriers, network suppliers, electronic manufacturers or any other vendor. FG works solely on behalf of the clients it serves.

While FG is not a carrier, it is currently managing and operating over 12,000 miles of client-owned fiber optic networks. FG has facilitated over $82M in private and ARRA/BTOP-funded network projects in the past five years, and continues to provide management, consulting and operational support services for these networks.

About Iowa Communications Network (ICN)

The Iowa Communications Network administers the state-wide fiber optic network, committed to continued enhancement of distance learning and providing Iowans with convenient equal access to education, healthcare, and government. The Network provides high-speed Internet, data, IP video, and voice services.

The ICN transport network is 100% fiber, which is the leading technology for telecommunications networks everywhere in the world. Recent enhancements increased bandwidth to all 99 counties with a 10 GB capable backbone. The Network can currently operate at 100 GB, and has an upgrade path of up to 400 GB for future growth, a level of capacity far beyond what is currently available from any other network in the state. The Network can meet the needs of its users today, and is positioned to meet their future needs.

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SOURCE Fiberutilities Group, LLC