Velocita to build second phase of AT&T's next generation network
In December of 1999, AT&T announced its selection of Velocita, then known as PF.Net Communications, Inc., as one of three vendors to join AT&T in building the first stage of its new state-of-the-art fiber-optic network.
This expanded joint build agreement will extend Velocita's total construction commitment to 6,300 miles from the 5,000 miles covered in the original agreement with AT&T. In addition, Velocita will have the right to market dark fiber on these new AT&T routes, as well as on routes already under joint construction by the two companies.
In a separate agreement, Velocita also has obtained the right to purchase approximately 7,100 additional route miles of next-generation dark fiber from AT&T.
"AT&T is responding to unprecedented growth in demand for high-speed bandwidth and Internet-based services by building a new, state-of-the-art fiber-optic network that will link 30 major metropolitan areas nationwide," said Steve Allen, division manager, AT&T Network Services. "Velocita is one of our prime contractors working with us to install 16,500 route miles of the latest in fiber-optic technology."
"This agreement with AT&T underlines our speedy ascension into an industry leadership position as a next generation provider that can deliver to its customers," said Buddy Pickle, chief executive officer of Velocita. "The opportunity to purchase dark fiber from AT&T expands our footprint to approximately 18,000 miles, one of the largest networks in the United States today, and positions Velocita to have a leadership role in the broadband revolution."
Velocita's network construction is well underway, with approximately 50 percent of the construction on Velocita's original agreement with AT&T complete and conduit in the ground on routes from California to Virginia and Illinois to Texas. The nationwide Velocita network has three major east to west routes and three primary north to south routes. The first segment of the Velocita fiber network will be in service during the first half of 2001 between Houston and Jacksonville.
This network will enable Velocita to implement and offer ultra high-speed bandwidth services. Velocita will retain a minimum of three or more empty conduits for its own network use on many of the key routes on the jointly built portion of the network and also will place fiber-optic cable in segments of the AT&T-owned multiple-conduit system.
ABOUT VELOCITA
Velocita Corp., based in the greater Washington, D.C. area, is a nationwide broadband networks provider serving communications carriers, Internet service providers, and corporate and government customers. Founded in 1998 as a facilities-based provider of fiber-optic communications infrastructure, Velocita is joining with AT&T to construct the nationwide next generation fiber-optic network of the future. This joint effort is serving as the foundation for Velocita to grow and expand its own network, adding service offerings such as wavelengths, private line, Internet access and very high-speed virtual private networks. The Velocita network, currently expected for completion in early 2002, will travel over 18,000 miles, connecting more than 50 major metropolitan areas, as well as most tier two and tier three markets.
ABOUT AT&T
AT&T Corp. is among the world's premier voice, video, and data communications companies. With annual revenues of more than $62 billion and 160,000 employees, AT&T provides services to customers worldwide. Backed by the research and development capabilities of AT&T Labs, the company runs the world's largest, most sophisticated communications network and has one of the largest digital wireless networks in North America. The company is a leading supplier of data and Internet services for businesses and offers outsourcing, consulting, and networking-integration to large businesses. Through its recent cable acquisitions, AT&T delivers broadband video, voice, and data services to customers throughout the United States. Internationally, Concert, the AT&T/BT Global Venture, serves the communications needs of multinational companies and international carriers worldwide.