Consolidated Communications (NASDAQ:CNSL) is building out its fiber network in the Des Moines, IA, area. Consolidated is building 17 inner-city fiber miles to connect businesses between northeast Des Moines and southern Ankeny. The first phase of the $1.7 million fiber expansion project is due to be completed this summer, with new services expected to be available in June.
The fiber build is intended to extend gigabit Internet speeds to more than 1,200 local, businesses through fiber builds and access to Consolidated's national fiber network, along with the company's managed, hosted and cloud services. The buildout is designed to support speeds of up to 10 Gbps.
"A high-performance network is critical for businesses to remain competitive and meet their needs now and in the future," said Tom White, chief technology officer at Consolidated Communications. "Consolidated's investment in the Des Moines area underscores our commitment to driving growth in the local region by bringing advanced, fiber services to more than a thousand businesses. This is the first phase of a multi-year expansion plan as we continue to invest in this vibrant, growing region and provide solutions for the future."
The company's fiber network in greater Des Moines connects businesses to Consolidated's nationwide fiber network spanning more than 37,000 route miles and across 23 states.