Merit Network, Bloomingdale Communications Build Stimulus-Funded Network
ANN ARBOR -- Merit Network Inc. announced an agreement with Bloomingdale Communications Inc. to deploy fiber-optic network infrastructure that will be jointly owned by each organization to build-out their respective network projects.
Both projects are in part federally funded. In working together, Merit Network and Bloomingdale Communications are maximizing federal investment in Michigan and saving taxpayer dollars.
"This agreement is an excellent example of two companies working together for the greater good of the public," said Bob Stovall, vice president of network engineering and operations for Merit Network. "It demonstrates the real benefits of collaboration, which Merit has championed as an organization for quite some time. In addition to creating cost savings, the joint segment upon which Merit and Bloomingdale will collaborate is sure to accelerate the completion of both projects and improve their long-term viability as maintenance and other operational costs can be shared between parties."
Added Mark Bahnson, CEO and general manager of Bloomingdale Communications: "I believe that this agreement is going to provide significant benefit to both organizations and our respective projects."
Merit Network and Bloomindale Communications are individually leading respective efforts to construct fiber-optic infrastructure in Michigan as part of the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program. BTOP, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the federal stimulus, awarded grants to help pay for fiber-optic network deployment in rural and underserved areas in two funding rounds.
Merit's REACH-3MC project will serve as a nearly 2,300-mile extension of Merit's high-speed data network in rural areas of Michigan's Lower and Upper Peninsulas with key interconnection points in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Van Buren County Fiber Ring project, led by Bloomingdale Communications, will deploy a high-speed fiber network that will connect communities to one another and countywide. Both projects focus on improved service to community anchor institutions and economic development for rural Michigan.
The two projects will jointly own a 44-mile stretch of middle mile infrastructure that runs from Berrien Springs to South Haven, encompassing the communities of Benton Harbor, Coloma and Watervliet along the way.
Merit Network will lead the construction and implementation of the segment. The infrastructure and related facilities will be jointly owned by both Merit Network and Bloomingdale Communications. The fiber sheath will essentially house each organization's respective networks.
More at www.merit.edu or www.bloomingdalecom.net.
