[July 01, 2015] |
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Xchange Telecom Partners With NYC EDC on Broadband Expansion in Industrial Business Zones
New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today announced
the launch of Connect IBZ: Broadband Expansion in Industrial Business
Zones (Connect IBZ), a $5.3 million public-private partnership that will
construct access to high-speed Internet in IBZs in New York City by
expanding broadband infrastructure in currently underserved areas. The
program will create high-speed commercial broadband networks in the
Southwest Brooklyn, Long Island City, North Brooklyn, and
Greenpoint-Williamsburg IBZs, which are among the City's "Digital
Deserts." Fast and reliable broadband access has become increasingly
critical for businesses of all types in New York City, and Connect IBZ
will help increase access to broadband connectivity for hundreds of
businesses in these currently underserved communities. The networks in
the four IBZs will be designed, constructed, maintained, and operated by
Stealth Communications (News - Alert) Services LLC, and Xchange Telecom LLC, two New
York City-based Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
"High-speed Internet is critical to the success of businesses in the
21st century economy, and it is imperative that we support these
Industrial Business Zones with the necessary infrastructure so that they
can continue to provide quality jobs for New Yorkers," said NYCEDC
Interim President Kim Vaccari. "Connect IBZ provides broadband access to
underserved industrial businesses in Brooklyn and Queens, bringing
increased opportunities to hundreds of businesses in former Digital
Deserts."
Through the Connect IBZ program, Stealth Communications will build a
fiber optic network in the Southwest Brooklyn IBZ, and will work with
NYCEDC and members of the community to determine a site for an outdoor
wireless network that will be free to the public. Xchange Telecom will
create a fiber core, fixed-wireless edge broadband network in the Long
Island City, North Brooklyn, and Greenpoint-Williamsburg IBZs, enabling
customers to receive service from network hubs wirelessly via
rooftop-mounted equipment. Customers signing up for service from either
provider will have access to service at speeds from 10 megabits per
second to one gigabit per second or higher. Both ISPs will work closely
with community organizations in the IBZs to ensure that the network
design and business outreach processes are informed by local priorities
and provide local benefits. Kickoff events will be held this summer in
each of the IBZs, where commercial tenants will be able to learn more
about the program and sign up for service. Businesses interested in the
IBZs interested in upgraded broadband service may visit http://nycedc.com/connectibz to
learn more about these events and submit their information to be put in
touch with the ISPs as service rolls out in their area.
NYCEDC will provide over $1.6 million for the program from the New York
State Connect NY Broadband Grant Program. This funding will be
supplemented by private contributions from the ISPs totaling over
$3.75M. Project funding will cover the costs of network creation as well
as build-outs to at least 500 commercial tenants over two years, with
both ISPs investing in further network expansion beyond the contract
term. Commercial tenants in the IBZs will benefit from access to newer
and more reliable technologies as well as faster Internet speeds that
will enable them to grow and thrive. This initial investment in
broadband infrastructure in these digital deserts will serve as a
launching pad for future growth and will ensure that these areas remain
competitive with other real estate in the city for attracting and
retaining innovative businesses.
The Connect IBZ project areas were selected through a publicly-issued
Request for Expressions of Interest, and the providers were selected
through a public Request for Proposals issued in summer 2014.
"Access to high-speed broadband is critical for growing and retaining
business in New York State. Without robust broadband infrastructure,
busineses cannot remain competitive in today's 21st century global
economy," said David Salway, Executive Director of the NYS Broadband
Program. "We are extremely pleased that through Governor Cuomo's Connect
NY Broadband Grant Program, unserved businesses in the NYC region will
benefit from these key infrastructure improvements."
"For 20 years Stealth's mission has been serving New York City
businesses with ultrafast Internet connectivity," said Shrihari Pandit (News - Alert),
Managing Member of Stealth Communications. "We are honored to receive
support from the City and State - the grant speeds our expansion into
Brooklyn and brings down broadband costs for businesses throughout the
IBZ."
"Xchange Telecom is honored to be a key part of the NYCEDC Connect IBZ
project. Xchange will deliver business class broadband services as well
as state of the art Communications services to the rapidly growing and
thriving business community located throughout the Connect IBZ
footprint," says Alfred West, CEO of Xchange Telecom.
"We consistently hear from our businesses in the IBZs, particularly
those in smaller, older buildings, that access to high speed, reliable,
affordable broadband is essential to their future success," Elizabeth
Lusskin, President of the Long Island City Partnership. "This is true
whether you are operating a more traditional industrial company that
uses tech on your sales and administrative side, or one of our many
companies where tech forms the core of the business. Increasing
broadband on an area-wide basis will also help LIC maintain a
competitive edge over areas outside the city that seek to lure our
companies away."
"We're so glad Connect IBZ is getting off the ground," stated Leah
Archibald, Executive Director of Evergreen. "So many businesses complain
about spotty telephone and internet service in North Brooklyn. This
program will provide relief for these businesses, helping them respond
to their customers' needs in a timely fashion."
"The Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation (SBIDC) is
thrilled that the businesses of Southwest Brooklyn will soon benefit
from widespread and reliable broadband internet access," said David
Meade, Executive Director of SBIDC. "For years now throughout Sunset
Park, short and sometimes long term internet outages are very common. We
hear from businesses all the time of the challenges in conducting
business day in and day out because of faulty and inconsistent internet
service. With all the challenges of running a small business, an
improved and fast internet service will help the myriad of businesses
not only with everyday operations but also add to their ability to
expand their business."
Connect IBZ is part of City's larger suite of initiatives to expand
broadband connectivity and increase high-speed Internet access for
commercial businesses and entrepreneurs, including WiredNYC, an
initiative aimed at bringing transparency to broadband connectivity in
NYC's commercial buildings and the NYC
Broadband Map, which provides an up-to-date view of the availability
of broadband infrastructure in commercial buildings as well as a view of
emerging demand for broadband services in the City's commercial
buildings and neighborhoods. Additionally, the City remains committed to
the expansion of broadband and high-speed Internet access throughout all
five boroughs. In November 2014, Mayor de Blasio announced LinkNYC,
an initiative that will bring the world's fastest municipal Wi-Fi to
millions of New Yorkers by replacing an aging network of public pay
telephones with state-of-the-art connection points.
About NYCEDC
New
York City Economic Development Corporation is the City's primary
vehicle for promoting economic growth in each of the five boroughs.
NYCEDC's mission is to stimulate growth through expansion and
redevelopment programs that encourage investment, generate prosperity
and strengthen the City's competitive position. NYCEDC serves as an
advocate to the business community by building relationships with
companies that allow them to take advantage of New York City's many
opportunities. Find us on Facebook or
follow us on Twitter,
or visit our blog to
learn more about NYCEDC projects and initiatives.
About Stealth
Based in New York City, Stealth Communications provides ultrafast
Internet connectivity to businesses since 1995. In 2013, the company
received authorization from the City of New York to start construction
of its own fiber network. Laying every single cable and servicing each
customer personally, Stealth offers some of the City's fastest and most
reliable Internet service at a nominal cost, providing a platform for
New York's businesses and entrepreneurs to thrive. Visit www.stealth.net or
call Stealth at +1-212-232-2020 to learn more about their Internet and
dark fiber services.
About Xchange
Xchange Telecom is a NYC based voice and data service provider serving
the greater NY area. Xchange Telecom, which was founded in 2002, builds
and operates customized network, Ethernet and voice solutions for
business, enterprise and carrier customers. Xchange Telecom is committed
to the highest level of customer service and support. For more
information on the company services, please visit www.xchangetele.com.
For more information on the Xchange Connect IBZ project, please visit www.xchangetele.com/NYCIBZ.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150701006709/en/
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