February 11, 2004 Spokane, WA, and Danville, VA -- The City of Danville, VA, has selected World Wide Packets' LightningEdge suite of Ethernet access equipment to provide access to a fiber-optic network serving 100 local government, public school, and utility locations throughout the city. The current deployment is capable of growing into a network that serves more than 50,000 residents and 8,000 businesses.
The network will also connect into Virginia Tech's eCorridors as that project is deployed. By covering an entire geographic region with a fiber-optic network, eCorridors creates a compelling competitive advantage for communities. The network is supported by Danville Power & Light (DP&L), which is responsible for installing the fiber-optic cable network.
"This effort is the beginning of a plan that has the power to change the way we work, play, and live," asserts Paul Kalv, director of DP&L. "It will provide our local school system with new technology tools and attract new companies, bringing with them new jobs and diversifying our economic base. This is all enabled by the World Wide Packets' LightningEdge system, which has exceeded our expectations with its ability to quickly scale and reliably and economically deliver the services we need today as well as into the future," he says.
Danville is phasing in the World Wide Packets' Active Ethernet solution systematically. The city council has already approved the first phase. The second and third phases are under study to extend the network to business and residential customers.
"Danville has shown tremendous vision in using technology to reshape the community," adds Dave Curry, president and CEO of World Wide Packets. "Extending a network of this speed and capability to residents and businesses will usher in a democratization of communication for everyone with a connection. World Wide Packets is pleased to partner with Danville Power & Light to provide unrestricted access to one of the world's most advanced networks."