Verizon deploys fiber optics and resources to upgrade Providence, R.I. telephone network

Verizon Communications has invested nearly $1.5 million to expand and upgrade its telecommunications network in the metropolitan Providence area. The investment includes installation of nearly 20 miles of fiber-optic cable between the switching centers in Providence, Cranston and North Providence. The individual glass strands of fiber, if laid end-to-end, would stretch for 4,700 miles. The new fiber will boost Verizon's network capacity in response to dramatic increases in customer requests for high-speed data services and the introduction of toll-free calling into Providence.

According to Donna Cupelo, president of Verizon Rhode Island, the project will include:

-- About $85 million annually in network investment;

-- Some 65,500 miles of fiber-optic cable;

-- Digital technology systems in the 30 call-routing centers serving the state;

-- Working with diverse community groups to develop applications that use advanced telecommunications networks, such as video-based distance learning.