NebraskaLink Selects Cyan Z-Series to build first state-wide broadband network

Sept. 13, 2010

2 min read

SEPTEMBER 13, 2010 -- Cyan says that NebraskaLink, a state-wide consortium of seven local telecommunications providers, has selected its Cyan Z-Series of multi-layer transport platforms and its Cyan CyMS multi-layer management system to build a self-healing packet-optical network covering the State of Nebraska. The network of interconnected fiber-optic rings will be built over the next three years with an $11.5 million grant awarded by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds under the National Telecommunications and Information (NTIA) Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP).

Together with nearly $5 million in private funding from NebraskaLink, the BTOP award will fund direct connection to 37 "middle-mile" service areas in communities throughout the state to enable services such as interactive two-way broadband, high-speed Internet access, and digital multimedia.

"NebraskaLink is excited about the opportunity to develop a Nebraska-wide, state-of-the-art, fiber optic network and to make a positive contribution to the community, economic development, and public services. We look forward to working with our community anchor institutions, private business, and all stakeholders in making this network available to serve Nebraskans. The availability of broadband services will create the potential for economic growth and job creation in the private sector as well as for improved services in the public sector. Cyan's packet-optical transport solutions are key to our plans, since they enable us to interconnect with all types of networks and upgrade easily as our broadband needs evolve," said Paul Ludwick, NebraskaLink's CEO.

The proposed network will have nearly 2,000 miles of fiber cable, including 450 miles of newly constructed fiber. The network will serve more than 100 anchor institutions, such as medical facilities, libraries, schools, community colleges and other institutions of higher education, public safety entities, government buildings, and more. In addition, local ISPs can use the open network to facilitate more affordable and accessible broadband service for up to 85,000 households and 8,000 businesses. This project will also facilitate enhanced services for the Omaha and Winnebago tribes of northwest Nebraska, which will be able to connect with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Aberdeen, SD.

NebraskaLink will deploy Cyan's Z-Series multi-layer optical transport portfolio throughout its network. The portfolio includes: