News & Information
IT&E embarks on building next generation network in Marianas
Sep 03, 2010
With over $8million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, IT&E will be bringing to the CNMI and Guam a multi-million dollar next generation network that will upgrade existing infrastructure.
IT&E ushered in a new era of coverage and connectivity in the Marianas with the recent completion of capacity and coverage expansion projects worth $1 million. Now the CNMI and Guam will benefit from several additional improvements that are currently underway.
The next generation network project will bring to the CNMI and Guam the first high-capacity broadband services through an extensive upgrade to the island backbone infrastructure. The improvements will upgrade IT&E's existing interisland microwave and undersea fiber transmission systems. Capacity will increase to 1.2 Gbps for its interisland microwave system and to 10 Gbps to its undersea fiber cable system.
"The next generation network will bring the next level of communications to our area and expand the availability of high-speed connections to the Marianas, especially to those who provide essential services to our community," said IT&E executive vice president Larry Knecht.
By the time the project is complete, IT&E will directly connect 403 anchor institutions, including community colleges, K-12 schools, libraries, health care facilities, and public safety organizations. This will also enable government agencies, schools, and businesses to benefit from videoconferencing and other advanced broadband capabilities.
The next generation network project will also improve health care services by expanding and enhancing broadband capabilities for public health and social services facilities on the islands.
In coming weeks and months, IT&E will work with its project partners from the Workforce Investment Agency, Marianas Visitors Authority, Northern Marianas College, Department of Commerce, Department of Public Health, and Saipan Chamber of Commerce. During that time, IT&E will update the public with project progress reports that will focus on every aspect of its next generation network.
For more information about IT&E's coverage and services, contact IT&E Customer Care at 682-4ITE (4483) at IT&E Customer Service on Middle Road.
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