American Fiber Systems signs optical network agreement with OARnet

March 24, 2003--American Fiber Systems (AFS), provider of metropolitan fiber optic networks, today announced that it has signed a 20-year agreement with OARnet for dark-fiber services in Cleveland. OARnet is the state-funded Internet services division of the Ohio Supercomputer Center in Columbus, OH.

According to Al Stutz, OARnet interim director, "The AFS Cleveland metro fiber network is an integral part of OARnet's planned 1,600-mile fiber network that promises to make high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity available at universities and other research institutions throughout the state of Ohio."

"We're excited to support OARnet's vision for unrestricted access to the country's most advanced networks and computing resources in an effort to promote research and education in the Greater Cleveland community," adds John Marchaesi, senior vice president of sales and market development for AFS. "The primary focus of our U company is to deliver the advantages of optical networking, providing fault-tolerant and future-proof technology that enables connectivity throughout Cleveland and the broadband world."

Under terms of the agreement, OARnet has the option for acquiring additional fiber on the AFS network, which extends throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area and surrounding communities, connecting the central business district, primary communication centers and business parks.

AFS also operates dark-fiber metropolitan networks in Kansas City, MO; Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN; Nashville, TN; and Salt Lake City, UT. In addition, AFS designs and delivers custom fiber network solutions for enterprise customers throughout the nation.