Telecom/Electric

Crown Electrokinetics partners with telecommunication infrastructure company to build fiber optic network across Northwest US

The agreement expands Crown’s customer base and geographic coverage with operations now in Washington, and soon to expand to Oregon and California.

Metronet expands fiber optic network throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan

Metronet’s fully funded multimillion-dollar investment will provide more residents and businesses throughout the city with access to Metronet’s ultra-high-speed, multi-gigabit fiber optic internet.

PG&E curtails plan to bury over 3,500 miles of power lines in effort to reduce wildfires

(UI) — In order to reduce the risk of wildfires in the western United States, California-based electric utility and natural gas supplier PG&E Inc. has scaled back its plans to lay over 3,600 miles of power lines underground through 2026. Beginning in June, PG&E will be tried for manslaughter in connection with fire fatalities allegedly resulting from its overhead power lines, which were blamed for the deadliest wildfire in California history in 2018.

High-speed fiber internet provider completes fiber network in Connecticut

Through GoNetspeed’s $6.5 million investment, residents and businesses throughout Vernon, Rockville, and South Windsor now have the ability to experience high-speed, symmetrical upload and download internet speeds directly from their home or business.

KCI Technologies acquires Virginia-based telecommunications company

KCI Technologies has acquired National Telecom Design. The acquisition extends KCI’s presence in the telecommunications industry, growing KCI’s engineering, backbone and lateral fiber design, relocation and inspection capabilities for communications clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Construction of 339-mile power line begins in New York City

Construction has begun on an underground electrical transmission line that will bring Canadian hydropower to New York City as part of an effort to make the Big Apple less reliant on fossil fuels, state officials announced Wednesday.

Georgia to use $240 million in federal cash to build broadband

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the state will spend another $240 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to construct broadband internet to rural locations that don’t currently have connections.

KUB continues investment in East Tennessee water, sewer, natural gas, and fiber optic infrastructure

As infrastructure across the U.S. ages and communities begin to feel the impact, Knoxville Utilities Board continues what it started 15 years ago to ensure its safe and reliable utility services do not suffer as a result of aging infrastructure.

Infinera, NEC deploy solution to connect underground fiber optic networks in US, Mexico

Infinera and NEC Corp. have deployed the partnership’s ICE6 technology, a solution that will help establish a 100% underground and ultra-low latency fiber network to connect Laredo, Texas, with the city of Monterrey in Mexico.

Kentucky governor announces $203 million for broadband expansion

Kentucky took a step toward closing its digital divide when Gov. Andy Beshear announced $203 million in broadband investments to connect areas with no internet access or chronically slow service.

Conterra to invest $22 million in North Carolina broadband infrastructure

Conterra Ultra Broadband Holdings announced its continued investment in fiber network growth across Union County, North Carolina, with its initial investment of $9.6 million and an additional estimated $12.7 million expected over 5 years.

PG&E moves power underground in plan to bury 10,000 miles

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. is working on an ambitious project to bury thousands of miles of power lines in an effort to prevent igniting fires with its equipment and avoid shutting down electricity during hot and windy weather.

Broadband expansion has companies looking to recruit skilled workers

Although major federal investments are aiming to bridge the internet access gap, the funds can only go so far without an increase in the number of workers capable of building and installing high-speed internet infrastructure.

Fiber Comes Home

The inexorable wave of fiber to the premises continues its march across America and indeed, much of the world. And to my delight, fiber is finally arriving at homes in my suburban community.

$1 billion hydropower project's fate rests with Maine supreme court

A stalled $1 billion energy corridor aimed at bringing Canadian hydropower to the New England power grid could be given new life — or spiked for good — by the state’s high court.

$3 million grant funding broadband internet installation in rural Michigan communities

Merit Network was awarded a $2.99 million Economic Development Administration grant under the CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant to support construction of 70 miles of middle-mile fiber optic infrastructure in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan.

Big US energy transmission projects inch closer to approval

The federal government has finished another environmental review of a proposed transmission line that will carry wind-generated electricity from rural New Mexico to big cities in the West.

Unity-based telecom is bought by Idaho company

Unity telecommunications has been bought by Direct Communications to serve high-speed internet to rural communities.

FOSA supports new Federal Highway Administration "Dig Once" regulations

The Fiber Optic Sensing Association supports new "Dig Once" policies that go into effect on March 3.

Harbor Link breaks ground on new Baltimore underground conduit project

Harbor Link begins work on a Baltimore telecommunications project that will install 60 miles of conduit to be used for fiber optic cables.

PG&E Announces New Electric Infrastructure Safety Initiative to Protect Communities from Wildfire Threat

PG&E announces a new initiative to protect communities from wildfire threats by expanding its underground electric distribution power lines.

South Dakota Struggles to Provide Rural Broadband Access

As federal officials debate investing billions of dollars in broadband access, South Dakota is planning to invest $100 million as it struggles to extend reliable internet service to every corner of the state.

Santee Cooper is Set to Offer Broadband on its Extra Lines

Santee Cooper is taking company applications to use extra fiber and transmission lines for rural broadband service.

A California City Launches Smart City Energy and Water Savings Program with ENGIE North America

The City of Milpitas began an energy and water savings program that will upgrade utility infrastructure.

Idaho Eyes Sewer, Water, Broadband with Federal Rescue Money

Idaho will receive $1.1 billion in the latest round of coronavirus relief money which will go toward water, sewer and broadband infrastructure in the state.

A Wisconsin County Forms Task Force to Expand Internet Access

Dane County, Wis. created a task force to provide internet access to rural communities.

Work Begins on New Mexico Transmission Line

Pattern Energy begins work on a wind power transmission line.

Agreement Provides Fiber-Optic Improvements in Rural Areas

Fiber-Optic improvements will be conducted in a few rural counties.

Traverse City Utility Builds out New Fiber Network

A new fiber broadband network was launched by Traverse City Light & Power.

USDA Awards Alaska Utility $22 Million for Fiber Installation

Alaska Power & Telephone Company has been awarded $21.5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to install more than 200 miles of fiber optic cable in rural Alaska.