Merit Networks has finally finished off one of the bigger BTOP infrastructure projects, REACH-3MC. Construction started almost four years ago after the first of two stimulus grants were awarded.
The buildout has added some 2,287 miles of fiber to Merit’s network, which can now reach into communities across much of northern Michigan and on into parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. That gives them some 3,900 route miles in al nowl.
They now have three exit routes from the Upper Peninsula, and a whole bunch more fiber in the northern part of the lower peninsula. Along the way they hooked up some 141 of those familiar anchor institutions plus another 70 organizations by adding a bit of last mile fiber.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has never gotten much fiber attention from the big operators, which is why the a research and education-based network took up the baton. The question now is what Merit’s next project will be.
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Categories: Fiber Networks · Metro fiber
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I assume it’ll be available wholesale to other operators?
Lynx Network Group is the wholesale partner on this network, and would be glad to work with you!