Midcontinent Communications' extension of its Northern Plains Network (NpNet) from Minot, ND, to Williston, ND - known as the Bakken Extension - is now complete and the network connection has been lit. The network connects directly to major network hubs in Minneapolis, Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD. The extension from Minot to Williston has an initial capacity of 100 Gbps, which is expandable to 4 terabits per second as need and usage rise.The connection is intended to enable Midcontinent to offer VOD and up to 100 HD channels (planned for early 2013). In addition, the new 100 Gbps circuit into Williston will provide the connectivity for facilities-based phone services sometime this fall.