March 28, 2005 Spokane Valley, WA and Kingston, WA -- World Wide Packets, a provider of Ethernet access networking platforms, today announced that the Kitsap Public Utility District (PUD) has constructed an all-fiber geographic network using the company's LightningEdge platform, interoperating with Cisco core equipment. Located approximately 30 minutes west of Seattle, the PUD's network spans four cities and five unincorporated towns, providing up to 1-Gbit/sec bandwidth for residents and businesses, according to a press release.
"The county was in a bind before we built out our fiber infrastructure. Despite being a major suburb of a high-tech hub, we had spotty access to broadband, and onerous phone charges," recalls David Jones, business manager of Kitsap PUD. "Just one call across the street could have been long distance due to three phone companies having four service area boundaries."
"Our network has leveled the playing field," continues Jones. "Now almost every resident has broadband, and our presence has encouraged an impressive display of coordination and cooperation among the incumbent providers."
The company says its LightningEdge Ethernet access network platform enables simultaneous delivery of telephony, video, broadband data, and Internet access services, over fiber and copper medium.
"Kitsap's story showcases how municipalities can leverage their fiber investments not to compete with incumbent service providers, but to work with them for the ultimate benefit of the community," notes Dave Curry, CEO of World Wide Packets.
According to the release, the PUD's network serves a population of 260,000 residents, as well as a variety of businesses, institutions, and government agencies. In one instance, Olympic College has offered distance learning over the network to students in remote locations throughout the county, as well as in neighboring counties. In another, using the network, the City of Poulsbo has connected its police, public works, and parks and recreation departments, as well as its City Hall.