EPIK Communications Incorporated (EPIK), the wholly-owned telecommunications subsidiary of Florida East Coast Industries, Inc. (NYSE:FLA) (NYSE: FLA.b), is the first carrier to connect an IP network and install peering routers at the Interim NAP (Network Access Point) of the Americas. The Orlando-headquartered telecommunications company spearheaded the effort forming the NAP of the Americas consortium to develop the nation's fifth Tier One Internet Exchange point.
EPIK connected its enlightened optical fiber OC-192 domestic network to the Interim NAP at 1 N.E. First Street in Miami. Terremark Worldwide Inc. (AMEX:TWW), which provides Internet infrastructure and managed services to the telecommunications industry, owns and operates the Interim NAP. Construction of the permanent NAP, also owned and operated by Terremark, is expected to be completed during the second quarter 2001. The permanent NAP is located at 50 N.E. Ninth Street in Miami. EPIK will also provide connectivity to the permanent NAP as soon as the NAP becomes operational.
A NAP is a high-speed Internet data exchange and connection facility that brings together Internet access providers, enables interconnection between geographic regions and allows communication between service providers and their customers. The NAP of the Americas will route Internet traffic between the United States, North and South America, the Caribbean and Europe. The NAP is expected to fuel the growth of Florida's economy by generating high-paying jobs, attracting new companies and creating new technology infrastructure investments.
About EPIK Communications:
EPIK Communications provides dark fiber and high-bandwidth fiber optic capacity to competitive local exchange carriers, Internet service providers and long-distance companies. The first 1,500 miles of itsI1,890-mile southeast regional network is lit, delivering OC-192 capacity to Atlanta, South Florida, Orlando, Jacksonville, Daytona, Tampa, Tallahassee and Fort Myers. EPIK delivers capacity directly on a redundant meshed OC-192 Dense Wave Multiplexing (DWDM) network.