RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – Access to fiber-optic networks across the Triangle is getting more competitive today now that MCNC has formally begun offering infrastructure as provided by a new 110-mile ring that spans the Research Triangle area.
MCNC built the network in partnership with Duke University and Health System, each party constructing half the underground project that was completed last fall. MCNC also built and operates the North Carolina Research and Education Network, a fiber-optic network that spans the state.
The new ring is linked to NCREN.
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Interesting communications service providers and other firms can purchase, lease or secure rights to utilize so-called “dark fiber” (unlit, not in use) and supporting infrastructure.
“This infrastructure can be used by Internet service providers to expand and offer services in the Raleigh/Durham market, for connections to specific customers and verticals that require high-bandwidth services, to connect cellular towers to enable 5G, and to strengthen their existing fiber networks by adding diversity and redundancy,” MCNC noted in the announcement.
The new MCNC-Duke University built fiber ring. MCNC graphic
“Some enterprise clients also can take advantage of the dark fiber network to securely connect multiple locations, connect to service providers at popular PoPs [points of presence], improve latency, and give organizations the redundancy they need for disaster recovery and business continuity.”
Spectrum AT&T, Frontier, CenturyLink, Google Fiber and Ting are among the companies also offering a variety of fiber-based services although coverage areas vary. AT&T also operates the North Carolina Next Generation Network.
MCNC is working with ECC Technologies to find partners looking to utilize and leverage the commercial broadband opportunities now available on the new fiber ring.
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MCNC’S partner in seeking customers for the network is ECC Technologies, a 25-year-old tech firm which has worked with MCNC dating back to 2011.
“This particular dark fiber set in the Triangle is in a very desirable location,” said Joe Starks, CEO and founder of ECC Technologies. “Nationwide carriers, enterprise clients, wireless carriers, and service providers may find this opportunity highly attractive.”
MCNC CEO Jean Davis noted that “ECC has a proven track record of leveraging fiber assets to help expand service into rural and underserved areas. The ever-increasing demand for faster bandwidth is driving innovative thinking, and today it’s possible to buy or lease dark fibers and use them in lieu of commercial Internet services. Dark fibers are cost-effective and can be extremely efficient. We encourage organizations to investigate whether it might be the right fit for their needs.”
Non-profit MCNC is open access, she explained when the project was announced. That means: “Anyone who wants to utilize it can lease access to the network at competitive prices.”
