Integra expands network in central Arizona

Integra Telecom may have sizeable network holdings in 11 Western states, but that's not stopping the privately-owned CLEC from enhancing that reach further. This week Integra announced it will invest about $5 million to extend its fiber optic network reach into four Central Arizona regions, including Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Chandler. This latest expansion, which will give Integra access to 30,000 businesses, will complement its copper-based broadband Internet service.

The Portland, Oreg.-based CLEC has enjoyed ongoing revenue growth since it acquired the former Electric Lightwave and Vancouver-Eschelon Telecom. These acquisitions provided Integra with instant optical network presence in the Arizona market. But it appears that Integra is not done yet. Dudley Slater, Integra Telecom's CEO said the CLEC plans further growth in its existing service areas since reducing its debt from $1.3 billion to $600 million. In July, Integra announced that it reached an agreement [1] with its three primary lenders to restructure its balance sheet. Outside of Arizona, Integra said it is setting its sights on expanding its network footprint into the Puget Sound area and Northern California.

For more:
- Portland Business Journal has this article [2]

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