CenturyLink, Advanced Communications Technology supply 100G connectivity to Wyoming state network

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) and Advanced Communications Technology, a Sheridan, Wyo.-based local telco, are among the companies that have been awarded contracts to equip the Wyoming state Unified Network with 100G optical capabilities.

According to an article in the Wyoming Business Report, the two service providers will lay dual 100G rings that are tying all state schools and agencies together.

The network consists of multiple geographic elements. ACT was awarded two contracts to build out network facilities in the northern part of the state, while CenturyLink will handle the majority of the southern circle of the state, including Casper, Cheyenne, the I-80 corridor and Jackson. Set to be completed in July, the network backbone will be built in eight segments. CenturyLink will construct six segments.

Today, Wyoming operates 2.5 Gbps circuits. When this network is completed, it will provide access points in eight communities that will be anchored at schools or state offices.

Although the network is being built to provide service to state and local government agencies and schools, Aaron Sopko, general manager of ACT, told the Wyoming Business Report that it could serve as a foundation to provide services to businesses.

"Basically because of the state's business and this award, we will be turning up our network," Sopko said. "That way the next guy that comes down the road and says 'I want [a] 100-gigabit [connection] we'll have that capacity in place for the most part. What the state is allowing us to do is make that investment."

For more:
- Wyoming Business Report has this article

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