Lumos launches Hampton Roads/Norfolk metro network build

Mid-Atlantic fiber-optic network service provider Lumos Networks has launched what it calls its largest metro fiber network build, encompassing the Virginia metro areas of Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Suffolk, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. The 270-mile Hampton Roads/Norfolk Metro ("Tidewater") network is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The network targets enterprises, data centers, fiber to the cell site (FTTC), and carrier end users through its wholesale partnership program. "This represents a key milestone of our 665-mile network expansion, which was underpinned by a 257 FTTC site contract with a national wireless carrier, and it also includes a significant broadening of our Richmond fiber network," reports Lumos President and CEO Timothy Biltz (see "Lumos Networks plans 100G connectivity for Richmond metro markets").

"We fully expect that the large and vibrant Hampton Roads/Norfolk market will be a key component of our data growth story going forward. Right out of the gate, we are seeing strong demand from existing customers seeking additional connectivity for new sites in the area and growing activity with potential new customers. In fact, we have already signed three enterprise contracts totaling approximately $150,000 in annual revenue with two new large enterprises and one new location with an existing customer," adds the company's chief revenue officer, Joseph McCourt.

According to the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance (HREDA), there are about 30 companies with more than 2,000 employees in this market, along with nine active U.S. military installations, 168 international firms, eight universities, and four community colleges.

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