MCNC aims to spread broadband around state - Technology - NewsObser... http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/03/21/1068347/fiber-optic-vision.html
1 of 1
Technology Tech Junkie: The blog Wisdom, wit: Our other business columnists and blogs Headlines: Latest from the wires
MCNC aims to spread broadband around state
PUBLISHED MON, MAR 21, 2011 02:00 AM MODIFIED MON, MAR 21, 2011 06:43 AM
PHOTOS BY TAKAAKI IWABU - TIWABU@NEWSOBSERVER.COM
BUY PHOTO
Chance Murray, left, and Doug Murray work in a trench that will carry the underground conduit through Wilson County. Currently, MCNC's network primarily serves the state's students and researchers. Email
Order Reprint
Share:
Share
Share This
Text
BY JOHN MURAWSKI - STAFF WRITER Tags: business | technology | broadband expansion | MCNC | North Carolina In the telecom business, the big fear is that Internet servers choke to a standstill on high-definition movies, video conferences and streaming audio. The expectation of broadband congestion is forcing commercial Internet service providers to consider options like tiered pricing or other unpopular approaches that charge heavy users higher rates. For its part, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission is considering diverting some of the $8.7 billion annual Universal Service Fund from subsidizing rural phone service to subsidizing rural broadband in mostly poor, isolated areas where residents still don't have the option of subscribing to even basic high-speed Internet. One local approach to dealing with the problem of broadband capacity shortages is unfolding in Raleigh, where a nonprofit Internet service provider is more than doubling the size of its network to prevent system overloads. MCNC, created by the General Assembly three decades ago, will soon operate one of the state's largest high-speed data networks. Once the organization completes a planned addition of 1,700 miles of fiber-optic cable over the next three years, it will operate nearly 3,000 miles of cable linking most of the state's schools, colleges and universities on its N.C. Research and Education Network. But getting there over the next three years will take more than $100 million in federal stimulus subsidies for broadband expansion. Just a few years ago, MCNC was facing a major capacity crunch as students, researchers and professors put increasing demands on the system. Any laptop or iPad that downloads music or uploads videos from 2,500 schools and campuses in the state does so over MCNC's network. That's on top of the heavy-duty university computing systems, research laboratories and administrative services that depend on the data network. Today MCNC is building out enough capacity for at least 25 years, said MCNC chief executive Joe Freddoso. The total cost of the project will come to $146 million. In addition to the $100 million from the federal stimulus, MCNC will pay for the project with $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation in Rocky Mount and its own funds. Much of MCNC's buildout will ring the state, linking the mountains, coastal areas and other remote areas into a wobbly oval. "In many of these areas where we're building, there is no fiber," Freddoso said. MCNC received North Carolina's biggest chunk of a $7.2 billion national stimulus subsidy program designed to improve the nation's broadband reach. In all, last year North Carolina got more than $250 million in broadband subsidies, some going to small rural telecoms and rural electric cooperatives. As a result of its expansion, MCNC is moving from a model where it primarily leases broadband capacity from commercial telecommunications providers to building its own parallel network. In essence, MCNC will go from being a net importer to a net exporter of broadband capacity. MCNC's rapid growth has raised questions about whether the organization is overbuilding its networks and doing so at public expense. Private providers irked Commercial Internet service providers had co-existed peacefully with MCNC as long as the Raleigh organization stuck to its knitting and served its limited base of universities and their specialized research needs. But in the past several years, MCNC has expanded prolifically. It has added 115 school districts and 58 community colleges to its network, and is now adding nonprofit hospitals and public libraries. MCNC's growth has not gone unnoticed by rural telecoms such as Windstream, TDS Telecom, Suddenlink Communications and Charter Communications. These companies notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which administered the broadband subsidy grants, that the areas proposed for expansion by MCNC in 2009 and 2010, were already well-served and didn't require subsidization. The areas include Cumberland, Edgecombe, Gaston, Carteret and Harnett counties. Pete Able, spokesman for St. Louis-based Suddenlink, said the federal law authorizing broadband subsidies requires that "no such funds ... be used to construct new broadband facilities in
3/21/2011 8:22 AM
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
The Daily Advance
Page 1 of 3
Home News Coast Guard Police State Events Calendar Weather Archives Communities Camden Chowan Currituck Pasquotank Perquimans Opinion Our Views Other Views Letters Sports COA ECSU High Schools Lifestyles Columnists Albemarle Magazine Coast Guard 2010 Our Life Occasions Anniversaries Births Engagements Weddings Photos/Videos Obituaries Customer Service Classifieds Autos Jobs Real Estate Local Directory Feedback SUBSCRIBERS' AREA Log in
51°F
Radar | Forecast
RELATED STORIES NC General Assembly begins under new GOP control NC GOP gets historic chance with redistricting Thursday at the NC General Assembly Tuesday at the NC General Assembly Monday at the NC General Assembly Perdue, GOP set stage for NC session in speeches
NC GOP lawmakers target tobacco settlement money By GARY D. ROBERTSON The Associated Press Sunday, March 6, 2011 0 Comments | Leave a Comment
Print Twitter Facebook Buzz up!
Monday at the NC General Assembly Monday at the NC General Assembly
Digg
NC GOP regains legislative control in shake-up State Republicans win majorities in NC Legislature
MORE Walmart greeter charged with robbery at NC store Parents of slain Cary mom look for justice Heavy rains bring floods, mudslides to western NC Sussex County paramedics take gold at competition Homeless man stabbed to death in Raleigh Weather Service confirms tornadoes hit NC in storm Weather Service to check for tornado damage in NC
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The manufacture of Camels and Lucky Strikes kept tax dollars flowing in North Carolina during Big Tobacco's heyday. Now lawmakers are asking if they should take long-protected cigarette company settlement money — while possibly settling a humbling chapter in the state's past.
Access All Content Free Archives Low Online Rates Daily E-edition
SLIDESHOWS Their target is money in the Golden LEAF Foundation, a private nonprofit organization chartered by the Legislature in 1999 to manage half the state's expected $4.5 billion share of the national tobacco settlement between cigarette companies and 46 states through 2025. The Rocky Mount-based foundation so far has awarded $450 million in grants, most of which have gone to try to improve the economic climate in small towns and areas affected by tobacco's wane. It retains about $600 million in assets. Critics, mostly Republicans, argue money has been wasted and choices draped in political influence. The governor, Senate leader and House speaker who pick the board members have been Democratic for nearly the foundation's entire existence. "It's a patronage organization," said House Majority Leader Paul Stam, R-Wake. With the GOP now in charge of the Legislature, a draft measure Stam is floating that would repeal the foundation's charter is getting a look. It would earmark current and future Golden LEAF funds for projects for the state employee retirement system, community college instructional equipment, and a statewide loan and grant fund to help provide infrastructure to recruit business.
Albemarle Pets: March 7
COA vs. Thomas Nelson Community College baseball, Saturday, March 5
The Business Expo and Job Fair, Saturday, March 5 Week in Photos: Feb. 26 - March 4 Prep Sports: Feb. 28-March 6 Dancing Under the Stars, Feb. 26 4th annual Polar Plunge, Edenton, Feb. 26 Prep Sports: Feb. 21-27
More Slideshows
The proposal, obtained by The Associated Press, also would set aside 10 percent of the state's annual settlement funds in 2012 and 2013 to
0 Comments | Leave a Comment
http://www.dailyadvance.com/ap/staten/nc-gop-lawmakers-target-tobacco-settlement-money-343496
3/7/2011
The Daily Advance
Page 2 of 3
give $20,000 apiece to thousands of mental patients and prisoners
TROXLER HOPES TO BOOST NC sterilized against their will decades ago through a state program. That EXPORTS TO CHINA NEXT STORY:
works out to $152 million if all 7,600 people sterilized between 1933 and 1973 or their descendants are paid. Democratic Rep. Larry Womble of Winston-Salem, home to cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc., said remedying the sterilization is more important to him than protecting the tobacco funds. "This is something that I would seriously consider," said Womble, who has tried unsuccessfully for years to get compensation for the sterilization victims. "That overrides anything that I can think of." But the top leaders of the House and Senate have wondered aloud if taking money from Golden LEAF — its full name is the Golden Longterm Economic Advancement Foundation — makes sense.
TOP CARS View More
TOP JOBS View More
Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue made clear her defense of the foundation when she vetoed a Republican bill last month that would have intercepted a $67.6 million payment from Golden LEAF to hold over until this summer to help close a $2.4 billion budget gap next year. While $435 million have been taken from two other entities that receive the other 50 percent of the settlement money, Golden LEAF funds have never been diverted, according to General Assembly research staff.
MOST POPULAR STORIES
Trying to divert or eliminate the fund this year could cause more fireworks among lawmakers working toward preliminary budget decisions, said House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg. "It could become a greater distraction that any real benefit, even if you accepted the thesis that those funds should be used a different way," he said.
1.
Why are city electric bills higher?
2.
Gas tax cap may cost millions
3.
Shop to close; owner blames weak economy
4.
State hearing set on wind turbine project
5.
Developer looking forward; neighbors still concerned
6.
NHS look to continue school’s success in the spring
Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said changes to tobacco settlement money allocation isn't a top priority right now, but he said it's worth asking if there's a broader way to use the funds. Golden LEAF Foundation President Dan Gerlach said the organization has proven its value to the state through nearly 1,000 grants and by using its money wisely to build the endowment. Other states have used their settlement share to close budget shortfalls. "That's something that should not be penalized by eliminating the foundation or trying to divert the funds," Gerlach said. The grants have gone to Republican and Democratic areas, he said. The foundation agreed last April to give $24 million in matching funds to help secure $76 million in federal stimulus to install 1,300 miles of fiber lines to improve high-speed broadband services to 69 underserved counties. Without the Golden LEAF money, "probably the most significant impact in broadband infrastructure in the state's history would be in peril," said Joe Freddoso, chief executive of MCNC, the nonprofit managing the project. A 2009 state audit highlighted some situations where political or financial influence was possible. Gerlach, who became executive director in 2008 after serving as then-Gov. Mike Easley's senior budget adviser, said problems identified in the audit have been fixed. John Hood with the conservative-leaning John Locke Foundation said he's not saying Golden LEAF has failed to help the state at times. But he points to its largest grant — $100 million announced in spring 2008 to help bring aircraft parts supplier Spirit AeroSystems to the Global TransPark — to suggest lawmakers would be better suited to allocate the settlement money. "Does anybody seriously believe that the General Assembly would have seen that as the best use of $100 million?" Hood asked.
ALSO OF INTEREST
Streep, James Taylor among cultural medalists
Gates: Spending cuts don't have to harm learning
Crews work to restore power after Carolinas storms
Ga. marks Civil War's '40 acres and a mule'
Add comment Login to post comments Sponsored Links How To Apply For Grants Start a new business or pay the bills with grants. Apply here.
www.GovGrantsUSA.Org Pell Grant Do You Qualify for a Pell Grant? Use it for College, Get Free Info!
www.CourseAdvisor.com $5,000.00 Scholarship Free No Cost Application. Only 3 Minutes to Apply. Age 18+
AmericanLibertyScholarship.com H l
ith C ll
G
t
http://www.dailyadvance.com/ap/staten/nc-gop-lawmakers-target-tobacco-settlement-money-343496
3/7/2011
The Daily Advance
Page 3 of 3
NEWS
OPINION
OCCASIONS
CLASSIFIEDS
Coast Guard
Our Views
Births
Homes
Police
Other Views
Anniversaries
Autos
State
Letters
Engagements
Jobs
Weather
Weddings
SPORTS
SUBSCRIBE
COMMUNITIES
COA
PHOTOS/VIDEOS
Camden
ECSU
Chowan
High Schools
OBITUARIES
Pasquotank
LIFESTYLES
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Perquimans
Columnists
The Daily Reflector The Daily Advance Rocky Mount Telegram
Currituck
Follow us
Copyright 2010 Elizabeth City Daily Advance. All rights reserved
http://www.dailyadvance.com/ap/staten/nc-gop-lawmakers-target-tobacco-settlement-money-343496
Privacy Policy | User Agreement
3/7/2011
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative | FinancialContent.com
Markets Overview
Stocks
Mutual Funds & ETF's
Market News
Market Videos
Currencies
My Watchlist
Rates
Tools
International
Get Quote
Enter Symbol or Keywords Recent Quotes
Sectors
Page 1 of 2
Treasury & Bonds
Search InvestCenter
Top Indices
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Monday March 07, 2011 - 08:00 AM EST PRNewsWire News Releases
Released By MCNC
North Carolina company awarded second contract to provide materials for broadband expansion of NCREN RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HICKORY, N.C., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has been selected by MCNC to provide materials related to the second round expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). CommScope, based in Hickory, was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first round expansion of NCREN. The round one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C. CommScope's first round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina.
Top Searches 1. Best Performing Mutual Funds 2. Top Etf Investments Top Stock for 2011 - GTSO
3. 10 Best Mutual Funds
Desperate Search For Rare Earth Minerals Solved. Rare Opp...
4. Best Penny Stocks
www.RareEarthE...
5. Hot Stock Picks 6. High Yield Bonds ads by media.net
5.7% per month in ETFs? Proven Share:
"We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project," said Ric Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions, CommScope. "Our selection is a validation of CommScope's capabilities and willingness to support MCNC's efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina." MCNC released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an appropriate vendor to provide outside plant materials on Dec. 3, 2010. While design and engineering of the GLRBI route is continuing, the estimated amounts of materials to be purchased include: 2,000 miles of fiber; 1,500 miles of conduit; 1,500 hand holds; 30,000 couplers; 1,500 cable plugs; 3,000 end caps; 425 splices enclosures; 2,500 marking posts; 1,500 grounding rods; and 25 external telecommunication huts.
system. Trade only 7 min a night. Easier than forex. No hype. ETFmentor.com
Top Stock for 2011 - GTSO Desperate Search For Rare Earth Minerals Solved. Rare Opportunity. www.RareEarthE…
Shocking Home
"We have been pleased with CommScope's performance on the BTOP Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project," said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC's Vice President for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN's Chief Architect. "Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it." The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western N.C. MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards last year totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with privatesector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Libraries, Public Health and Public Safety Facilities and Non-Profit and University Hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with whom MCNC has formed partnerships. The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and more than 300,000 underserved families. The project's Environmental Assessment currently is under review with construction ready to proceed. Currently, MCNC is evaluating proposals on construction bids and a vendor decision is expected within the next 30 to 45 days. Other current primary contractors/vendors supplying goods and services to the project include: ONUG Communications, Kimley-Horn Associates, CommScope, Cisco Systems, Globe Communications, Fiber Technologies, and Comtech. In evaluating the bid responses to this contract and all others, MCNC is working with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. About CommScope CommScope, Inc. (www.commscope.com) provides essential infrastructure that makes communication possible. We empower people to connect and communicate seamlessly where, when, and how they choose. Our solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data, video, and voice applications everywhere—at home, at work, and on the go. Through every wave of technology, CommScope helps the world connect and evolve. Backed by numerous respected brands such as Andrew®, SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise®, CommScope supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world through its focus on integrity, ethics, quality and technical innovation. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and
http://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/7/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative | FinancialContent.com
Page 2 of 2
collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobaccodependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from privatesector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC-BTOP Webspace & Social Networks For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Webspace online. You can also follow the progress of the GLRBI at Twitter and "Like" the project on Facebook. MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 MCNC Contact: Noah Garrett, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org CommScope Contact: Joseph Depa: (828) 431.9803 or publicrelations@commscope.com SOURCE MCNC Print this story
Email this story
Download PDF
Advertisement
The Plum CardÂŽ lets you choose a 1.5% Early Pay Discount or up to 2 months to pay without interest.
Health report: Are ecigarettes really cheaper & better for your health? Can you smoke them indoors?
Maine: Is it a scam? We investigated work at home jobs and what we found may shock you!
If you have a $500,000 portfolio, you should download the guide by Forbes columnist Ken Fisher.
Portland mom discovers 1 simple trick to erase wrinkles. Dermatologists hate her..
Portland Mom reveals $5 trick to erase wrinkles. Shocking results exposed
Stock Market XML and JSON Data API provided by FinancialContent Services, Inc. Nasdaq quotes delayed at least 15 minutes, all others at least 20 minutes. By accessing this page, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Mortgage Rates, CD Rates & Home Equity Rates provided by Banks.com Conference calls info supplied by OpenCompany Fundamental data supplied by Morningstar Stock quotes supplied by Telekurs USA
Š Copyright 2011 FinancialContent, Inc. #
http://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/7/2011
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative
SUBSCRIBE
CONTACT US
E-EDITION
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Page 1 of 3
ADVERTISE
NEWSPAPER ADS
USER ACCOUNT DASHBOARD
BREAKING NEWS: Police called to dispute at Myrtle Beach clothing store - (read more)
SEARCH
TheSunNews .com
Markets Overview
Stocks
6
Web
FOR
Mutual Funds & ETF's
Market News
Sign In
Market Videos
Sectors Currencies
Rates
International
Enter Symbol or Keywords My Watchlist
Get Quote
5
Connect with Us:
Tools Treasury & Bonds
Recent Quotes
Become a Member
Search powered by YAHOO! SEARCH
News Letters
Text Alerts
Weather Daily Alerts E -Edition
RS
Search InvestCenter
Top Indices
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Monday March 07, 2011 - 08:00 AM EST PRNewsWire News Releases
Released By MCNC
North Carolina company awarded second contract to provide materials for broadband expansion of NCREN RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HICKORY, Share: N.C., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has been selected by MCNC to provide materials related to the second round expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). CommScope, based in Hickory, was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first round expansion of NCREN. The round one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C. CommScope's first round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina. "We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project," said Ric Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions, CommScope. "Our selection is a validation of CommScope's capabilities and willingness to support MCNC's efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina." MCNC released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an appropriate vendor to provide outside plant materials on Dec. 3, 2010. While design and engineering of the GLRBI route is continuing, the estimated amounts of materials to be purchased include: 2,000 miles of fiber; 1,500 miles of conduit; 1,500 hand holds; 30,000 couplers; 1,500 cable plugs; 3,000 end caps; 425 splices enclosures; 2,500 marking posts; 1,500 grounding rods; and 25 external telecommunication huts.
Events Calendar:
8
9
10
11
12
13
A
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
Eve
● Restaurants ● Movies ● Music ● Venues ● ● Performing Arts ● Add an Event ● LOCAL WEATHER
TRAFFIC INFO
POLLS
Sunny
Myrtle Beach, SC
46°F High: 60°
Low: 45°
15-Day Weather Forecast
Click here to see all of the Sun News Weather Kids
"We have been pleased with CommScope's performance on the BTOP Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project," said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC's Vice President for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN's Chief Architect. "Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it." The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western N.C.
! Poll | Are you changing your
boating plans this summer because of the increase in fuel prices? » Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:41 EST
MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards last year totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with privatesector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build.
! Poll: Which side do you take in
the NFL labor talks?
The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Libraries, Public Health and Public Safety Facilities and Non-Profit and University Hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with whom MCNC has formed partnerships. The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and more than 300,000 underserved families.
» Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:58 EST ! Poll | How do you shop: with
cash or credit? » Fri, 25 Feb 2011 11:05 EST ! Polls | Who will take home the
Oscars?
The project's Environmental Assessment currently is under review with construction ready to proceed. Currently, MCNC is evaluating proposals on construction bids and a vendor decision is expected within the next 30 to 45 days. Other current primary contractors/vendors supplying goods and services to the project include: ONUG Communications, Kimley-Horn Associates, CommScope, Cisco Systems, Globe Communications, Fiber Technologies, and Comtech. In evaluating the bid responses to this contract and all others, MCNC is working with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. About CommScope
» Fri, 25 Feb 2011 07:43 EST ! Poll | With gas prices
potentially rising to $4 a gallon by
MOST POPULAR
MOST COMMENTED
Sting nets 3 prostitution arrests in Myrtle Beach Police called to dispute at Myrtle Beach clothing store Myrtle Beach area ready for mud runs in May Letter concerning Atlantic Beach officials gets attorney suspended Horry County Solid Waste Authority wants to sell waste
http://markets.financialcontent.com/mi.myrtlebeach/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/8/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative
Page 2 of 3
CommScope, Inc. (www.commscope.com) provides essential infrastructure that makes communication possible. We empower people to connect and communicate seamlessly where, when, and how they choose. Our solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data, video, and voice applications everywhere—at home, at work, and on the go. Through every wave of technology, CommScope helps the world connect and evolve. Backed by numerous respected brands such as Andrew®, SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise®, CommScope supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world through its focus on integrity, ethics, quality and technical innovation. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN usercommunity now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobaccodependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC-BTOP Webspace & Social Networks For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Webspace online. You can also follow the progress of the GLRBI at Twitter and "Like" the project on Facebook. MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 MCNC Contact: Noah Garrett, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org CommScope Contact: Joseph Depa: (828) 431.9803 or publicrelations@commscope.com
SOURCE MCNC Print this story
Email this story
Download PDF
Stock Market XML and JSON Data API provided by FinancialContent Services, Inc. Nasdaq quotes delayed at least 15 minutes, all others at least 20 minutes. By accessing this page, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Mortgage Rates, CD Rates & Home Equity Rates provided by Banks.com Conference calls info supplied by OpenCompany Fundamental data supplied by Morningstar Stock quotes supplied by Telekurs USA
http://markets.financialcontent.com/mi.myrtlebeach/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/8/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative
Page 3 of 3
MAGAZINES
« Best of the Beach « Living Here
« Home & Life Style
« Carolina Bride
« Dining
« Destinations
« Menus & More
» REQUEST FREE INFORMATION « | » CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR MAGAZINE WEBSITE «
SITE MAP NEWS Local/State Business/Money Nation/World Weather Politics Blogs
SPORTS High school Prep football Golf MB Pelicans Motorsports Youth/Rec
ENTERTAINMENT Kicks TV listings Comics/Games Horoscopes Movies Contests
OPINION Letters to the Editor Editorials Discussion Boards Terms of Service
PHOTOS Staff Photo Galleries Reprints Reader Photos Videos Celebrity Photos
Privacy Policy
About Our Ads
http://markets.financialcontent.com/mi.myrtlebeach/news/read?GUID=17587764
LIVING Coasting Food Home/Garden Celebrations Copyright
VISITORS Destinations Plan your trip Golf Search Businesses
About The Sun News
SITE INFO Contact Us About Us FAQs Subscriptions Advertising
About the McClatchy Company
3/8/2011
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative | Stocks and Bonds :: WRAL.com
Page 1 of 3
1:56 p.m. • 3-7-11
55° Currently
Next 3 Days
7 Day Forecast Triangle 411
Home
Autos
Classifieds
News
Local Tech Wire
Traffic
Real Estate
Weather
Market Summary
WRAL.com 30 Overview
Jobs
Markets
Market News
Sports
Local Stocks
Stocks
Business My Watchlist
Market Videos
My Watchlist
5 On Your Side Tax Guide
Mutual Funds & ETF's
Enter Symbol or Keywords Recent Quotes
Mobile
Shop WRAL
Currencies
Entertainment
WRAL-TV
Out & About
GOLO
Calculators
Sectors International
GET QUOTE
Health & Life
Rates
Tools
Treasury & Bonds
Search InvestCenter
Top Indices
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative Monday March 07, 2011 - 08:00 AM EST PRNewsWire News Releases
Released By MCNC
North Carolina company awarded second contract to provide materials for broadband expansion of NCREN RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HICKORY, N.C., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has been selected by MCNC to provide materials related to the second round expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). CommScope, based in Hickory, was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first round expansion of NCREN. The round one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C. CommScope's first round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sleep research leads to a simple snoring solution
Top Searches 1. Best Performing Mutual Funds 2. Top Etf Investments 3. Best Penny Stocks
Is a degree in early childhood education worth it?
Visit Norway and see polar bears in the wild
4. Hot Stock Picks 5. 10 Best Mutual Funds 6. Smart Investing ads by media.net
Share:
"We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project," said Ric Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions, CommScope. "Our selection is a validation of CommScope's capabilities and willingness to support MCNC's efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina." MCNC released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an appropriate vendor to provide outside plant materials on Dec. 3, 2010. While design and engineering of the GLRBI route is continuing, the estimated amounts of materials to be purchased include: 2,000 miles of fiber; 1,500 miles of conduit; 1,500 hand holds; 30,000 couplers; 1,500 cable plugs; 3,000 end caps; 425 splices enclosures; 2,500 marking posts; 1,500 grounding rods; and 25 external telecommunication huts. "We have been pleased with CommScope's performance on the BTOP Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project," said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC's Vice President for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN's Chief Architect. "Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it." The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western N.C. MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards last year totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Libraries, Public Health and Public Safety Facilities and Non-Profit and University Hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with whom MCNC has formed partnerships. The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and more than 300,000 underserved families. The project's Environmental Assessment currently is under review with construction ready to proceed. Currently, MCNC is evaluating proposals on construction bids and a vendor decision is expected within the next 30 to 45 days. Other current primary contractors/vendors supplying goods and services to the project include: ONUG Communications, Kimley-Horn Associates, CommScope, Cisco Systems, Globe Communications, Fiber Technologies, and Comtech. In evaluating the bid responses to this contract and all others, MCNC is working with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. About CommScope CommScope, Inc. (www.commscope.com) provides essential infrastructure that makes communication possible. We empower people to connect and communicate seamlessly where, when, and how they choose. Our solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data,
http://markets.financialcontent.com/wral/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/7/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative | Stocks and Bonds :: WRAL.com
video, and voice applications everywhere—at home, at work, and on the go. Through every wave of technology, CommScope helps the world connect and evolve. Backed by numerous respected brands such as Andrew®, SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise®, CommScope supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world through its focus on integrity, ethics, quality and technical innovation.
FAQ Contact Us Feeds Email Alerts
Page 2 of 3
Advertise Tools RSS Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Site Map
© Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.
About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with privatesector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC-BTOP Webspace & Social Networks For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Webspace online. You can also follow the progress of the GLRBI at Twitter and "Like" the project on Facebook. MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 MCNC Contact: Noah Garrett, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org CommScope Contact: Joseph Depa: (828) 431.9803 or publicrelations@commscope.com
SOURCE MCNC Print this story
Email this story
Download PDF
Stock Market XML and JSON Data API provided by FinancialContent Services, Inc. Nasdaq quotes delayed at least 15 minutes, all others at least 20 minutes. By accessing this page, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Mortgage Rates, CD Rates & Home Equity Rates provided by Banks.com Conference calls info supplied by OpenCompany Fundamental data supplied by Morningstar Stock quotes supplied by Telekurs USA
http://markets.financialcontent.com/wral/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/7/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative | Stocks and Bonds :: WRAL.com
Page 3 of 3
Links We Like
Job Searching Tips Resume Critique Checklist Will that resume get read? Whether you're evaluating a friend's or your own, make sure you can answer yes to these questions. More Details
! ! ! !
What To Wear To An Interview Learn To Look For Work In Troubled Times Should You Say Yes To A Buyout? The Best Cities For Getting A Raise
Interview Tips ! ! ! !
The Six Species of Interviewers Do Your Homework Before the Big Interview Ten Tips to Boost Your Interview IQ Keep Your Guard Up At The Interview
http://markets.financialcontent.com/wral/news/read?GUID=17587764
3/7/2011
SOURCE: Winston−Salem (NC) Journal AUDIENCE: 198,635 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 03−08−2011 HEADLINE: Legislators ponder using tobacco money to help sterilization victims Source Website Legislators ponder using tobacco money to help sterilization victims By The associated Press Published: March 08, 2011 RALEIGH −− The manufacture of Camels and Lucky Strikes kept tax dollars flowing in North Carolina during Big Tobacco's heyday. Now legislators are asking if they should take long−protected cigarette company settlement money to settle a humbling chapter in the state's past " its sterilization of thousands of people against their will. Their target is money in the Golden LEAF Foundation, a private nonprofit organization chartered by the legislature in 1999 to manage half the state's expected $4.5 billion share of the national tobacco settlement between cigarette companies and 46 states through 2025. The foundation, based in Rocky Mount, has so far awarded $450 million in grants, most of which have gone to try to improve the economic climate in small towns and areas affected by tobacco's wane. It retains about $600 million in assets. Critics, mostly Republicans, say money has been wasted and choices draped in political influence.The governor, the Senate leader and the House speaker who pick the board members have been Democratic for most of the foundation's existence. "It's a patronage organization," said House Majority Leader Paul Stam, R−Wake. With the GOP now in charge of the legislature, a draft bill Stam is floating that would repeal the foundation's charter is getting a look. It would earmark current and future Golden LEAF funds for projects for the state employee retirement system,community college instructional equipment, and a statewide loan and grant fund to help provide infrastructure to recruit business. The proposal, obtained by The Associated Press, also would set aside 10 percent of the state's annual settlement funds in 2012 and 2013 to give $20,000 apiece to thousands of mental−health patients and prisoners sterilized through a state program that ran from 1929 to 1974 and focused mainly on young women. That works out to $152 million if all 7,600 people sterilized or their descendants are paid. The program's details were widely publicized in 2002 by a series of articles in the Winston−Salem Journal. Democratic Rep. Larry Womble of Winston−Salem said remedying the sterilization is more important to him than protecting the tobacco funds. "This is something that I would seriously consider," said Womble, who has tried unsuccessfully for years to get compensation for the sterilization victims. "That overrides anything that I can think of." But the top leaders of the House and the Senate have wondered aloud if taking money from Golden LEAF " its full name is the Golden Long−term Economic Advancement Foundation " makes sense.
1
Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue made clear her defense of the foundation when she vetoed a Republican bill last month that would have intercepted a $67.6 million payment from Golden LEAF to hold over until this summer to help close a $2.4 billion budget gap next year. While $435 million has been taken from two other entities that receive the other 50 percent of the settlement money, Golden LEAF funds have never been diverted, according to General Assembly research staff. Trying to divert or eliminate the fund this year could cause more fireworks among lawmakers working toward preliminary budget decisions, said House Speaker Thom Tillis, R−Mecklenburg. "It could become a greater distraction that any real benefit, even if you accepted the thesis that those funds should be used a different way," he said. Senate leader Phil Berger, R−Rockingham, said changes to the allocation of tobacco settlement money isn't a top priority right now, but he said it's worth asking if there's a broader way to use the money. Golden LEAF Foundation President Dan Gerlach said the organization has proved its value to the state through nearly 1,000 grants and by using its money wisely to build the endowment. Other states have used their settlement share to close budget shortfalls. "That's something that should not be penalized by eliminating the foundation or trying to divert the funds,"Gerlach said. The grants have gone to Republican and Democratic areas, he said. The foundation agreed in April to give $24 million in matching funds to help secure $76 million in federal stimulus to install 1,300 miles of fiber lines to improve high−speed broadband services to 69 underserved counties. Without the Golden LEAF money, "probably the most significant impact in broadband infrastructure in the state's history would be in peril," said Joe Freddoso,chief executive of MCNC, the nonprofit managing the project. A 2009 state audit highlighted some situations where political or financial influence was possible.Gerlach, who became executive director in 2008 after serving as then−Gov. Mike Easley's senior budget adviser, said problems identified in the audit have been fixed. John Hood with the conservative−leaning John Locke Foundation said he's not saying Golden LEAF has failed to help the state at times. But he points to its largest grant "$100 million announced in spring 2008 to help bring aircraft parts supplier Spirit AeroSystems to the Global TransPark " to suggest lawmakers would be better suited to allocate the settlement money. "Does anybody seriously believe that the General Assembly would have seen that as the best use of $100 million?"Hood asked. Winston−Salem Journal Terms and Conditions Work With Us Highlights: NC, NORTH CAROLINA, North Carolina, Golden LEAF, MCNC
2
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
MCNC awards $14M contract to CommScope
Page 1 of 1
NorthCarolinaDaily.com !
More North Carolina News
!
US oil reserves may have to be tapped Obama says military option may be opened for Libya More Guantanamo Bay military trials expected Secret police in Tunisia forced to disband Gaddafi side takes back parts of country UN needs money to deal with Libya's refugees British newspapers slam Prince Andrew over contacts TV show ends for Charlie Sheen Palestinian diplomats receive higher status in Britain Young Mexican police chief leaves after death threats US should always have presence in Afghanistan says Gates China records second highest percentage of women CEOs
!
! ! ! !
!
! !
!
!
!
Get North Carolina News headlines emailed to you daily.
Tuesday 8th March 2011
Portland Coupons
Issue 9/1003
9 Best Stocks to Own Now
1 ridiculously huge coupon a day. Like doing Here's a list of recommendations that several Portland at 90% off! top analysts agree on
MCNC awards $14M contract to CommScope North Carolina Daily Monday 7th March, 2011 (Source: The
Triangle Business Journal)
a $14 million contract to build the second-round expansion of the N.C. Research and Education Network, a fiber optics network to connect schools, colleges and hospitals across the state. CommScope (NYSE: CTV), based in Hickory, previously was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first expansion of NCREN. The contract, valued at an estimated $2.5 million, called for CommScope to construct 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western North Carolina. The second round of expansion for NCREN will build 1,500 miles of new fiber. The expansion is funded by the ... Read the full story at The
Triangle Business Journal Email this story to a friend
Have your say on this story Your nickname
(required)
Message
5
Add Email
6
2 Stocks to Hold Forever Buy them, forget about them, and never sell them.
Post comment
www.StreetAuthority.c...
Safe Yields of 7% to 8.5% Here are 3 safe, high-yield stocks income investors should buy now... www.GlobalDividends....
For Sale By Owners on MLS List Home On Triangle MLS for $199 Flat Fee Real Estate Packages www.carolinaschoicer...
NC Coastal Community Discover the Community Everyone is Talking About. Voted #1 in NC! www.Porters-Neck.com
Home
News Releases
About Us
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
Site Map
copyrightŠ Midwest Radio Network Ltd 2002 - 2011. All rights reserved
http://story.northcarolinadaily.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/a6c0447118ba14fb/id/43577846/
3/8/2011
Bradenton.com | 03/07/2011 | CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for...
1 of 2
Print This Article
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/07/v-print/3011714/commscope-to-p...
Back to web version
Monday, Mar 7, 2011
Posted on Mon, Mar. 07, 2011
North Carolina company awarded second contract to provide materials for broadband expansion of NCREN MCNC /PRNewswire/ -- CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has been selected by MCNC to provide materials related to the second round expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI). CommScope, based in Hickory, was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first round expansion of NCREN. The round one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C. CommScope's first round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina. "We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project," said Ric Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions, CommScope. "Our selection is a validation of CommScope's capabilities and willingness to support MCNC's efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina." MCNC released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an appropriate vendor to provide outside plant materials on Dec. 3, 2010. While design and engineering of the GLRBI route is continuing, the estimated amounts of materials to be purchased include: 2,000 miles of fiber; 1,500 miles of conduit; 1,500 hand holds; 30,000 couplers; 1,500 cable plugs; 3,000 end caps; 425 splices enclosures; 2,500 marking posts; 1,500 grounding rods; and 25 external telecommunication huts. "We have been pleased with CommScope's performance on the BTOP Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project," said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC's Vice President for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN's Chief Architect. "Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it." The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western N.C. MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards last year totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Libraries, Public Health and Public Safety Facilities and Non-Profit and University Hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with whom MCNC has formed partnerships. The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and more than 300,000 underserved families. The project's Environmental Assessment currently is under review with construction ready to proceed. Currently, MCNC is evaluating proposals on construction bids and a vendor decision is expected within the next 30 to 45 days. Other current primary contractors/vendors supplying goods and services to the project include: ONUG Communications, Kimley-Horn Associates, CommScope, Cisco Systems, Globe Communications, Fiber Technologies, and Comtech. In evaluating the bid responses to this contract and all others, MCNC is working with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. About CommScope CommScope, Inc. (www.commscope.com) provides essential infrastructure that makes communication possible. We empower people to connect and communicate seamlessly where, when, and how they choose. Our solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data, video, and voice applications everywhere—at home, at work, and on the go. Through every wave of technology, CommScope helps the world connect and evolve. Backed by numerous respected brands such as Andrew®, SYSTIMAX® and Uniprise®, CommScope supports customers in more than 100 countries around the world through its focus on integrity, ethics, quality and technical innovation. About MCNC MCNC is an independent, non-profit organization that employs advanced Internet networking technologies and
3/7/2011 11:28 AM
Bradenton.com | 03/07/2011 | CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for...
2 of 2
http://www.bradenton.com/2011/03/07/v-print/3011714/commscope-to-p...
systems to continuously improve learning and collaboration throughout North Carolina's K-20 education community. MCNC provides advanced communications technologies and support services that enable access to 21st century learning applications and offers the opportunity to improve teaching, learning, research and collaboration among North Carolina's education community. For a more than a quarter century MCNC has operated a robust, secure, exclusive communications network that has connected the institutions of the University of North Carolina System, Duke University and Wake Forest University to each other and through advanced research networks such as Internet2 and National Lambda Rail, to the world. Visit www.mcnc.org. About NCREN Community NCREN, operated by the non-profit organization MCNC, is one of the nation's first statewide education and research networks. It provides broadband communications technology services and support to K-12 school districts, higher education campuses and academic research institutions across North Carolina. MCNC offers the NCREN network, technology tools and services to guarantee equal access to 21st century learning by providing a future-proof technology network that is the foundation for change and innovation in our educational systems. In addition to all public school districts in North Carolina, the NCREN user-community now includes: 17 institutions of the UNC System and General Administration; 24 of the 36 North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities; 58 North Carolina Community Colleges; research institutions and foundations; and, along with the N.C. Office of Information Technology Services and other partners, MCNC will provide broadband services for the Public Health and Non-Profit Hospitals Phases of the N.C. Telehealth Network in 2011 and beyond. About Golden LEAF Foundation The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina's economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina's funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 1,017 grants worth over $477 million since its inception. To learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684.8404. About MCNC's Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Awards MCNC currently is working on a $146 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expected to be complete by 2013. This initiative has been labeled the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative. To fund this expansion, MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the BTOP program. MCNC's sources of matching funds included $24 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, $8 million from the MCNC Endowment, $4 million from private-sector wholesale telecommunications company FRC, and an estimated $6.55 million through donations of land and existing conduit from individual community colleges, universities, and others including the Albemarle Pamlico Economic Development Corporation. No direct funding from the State of North Carolina was required. MCNC estimates the expansion of NCREN will create or save 2,500 engineering, construction, and manufacturing jobs in the state. Both MCNC awards are a part of a coordinated strategy developed by the Office of the Governor, the N.C. Office of Economic Recovery & Investment, and e-NC Authority to improve broadband access for businesses and residents in underserved areas. Once all work is complete, the two rounds of BTOP infrastructure have the potential to serve directly, or through MCNC partnerships with private-sector service providers, more than 1,500 community anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and reach more than 300,000 underserved families. MCNC-BTOP Webspace & Social Networks For more information regarding all of MCNC's BTOP activities, visit MCNC's BTOP Webspace online. You can also follow the progress of the GLRBI at Twitter and "Like" the project on Facebook. MCNC Communications Hotline: (919) 248.4105 MCNC Contact: Noah Garrett, on behalf of MCNC: (252) 423.1277 or press@mcnc.org CommScope Contact: Joseph Depa: (828) 431.9803 or publicrelations@commscope.com SOURCE MCNC Š 2011 Bradenton.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.bradenton.com
3/7/2011 11:28 AM
Broadband update: NC project ahead of schedule :: Editor's Blog at WR...
1 of 2
http://wraltechwire.com/business/tech_wire/news/blogpost/9292279/
Updated Mar. 18, 2011 at 2:28 p.m.
NCREN expansion plan By TOMMY JACOBSON, special to WRAL Tech Wire Editor’s note: Tommy Jacobson is MCNC’s vice president of Network Initiatives and NCREN chief architect. RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. - The first 100 miles of conduit that will house the new fiber for the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI) is in the ground. The first phase of the project began in November 2010. Since then, construction crews from Fiber Technologies and Globe Communications have worked diligently to place conduit through mountains and rock, across and under lakes and rivers, and worked through unusually cold weather. The progress on the project is impressive given that North Carolina experienced recordbreaking cold temperatures in December and early January. The arrival of warmer weather in recent weeks has helped increase the pace of the broadband expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN). The last two months have been active as more than 25 percent of the overall construction for the first round of the project is now complete. Even more segments will begin construction in the next four-to-six weeks as final permits and encroachments are received from various government agencies. Fiber that MCNC previously owned between Raleigh and Wilmington was placed into service in February, and is one of the first federally-funded broadband projects in the country to activate lines with funds received through the grant. Primary vendors currently supplying goods/services for the project include: Cisco Systems, CommScope, Comtech, Fiber Technologies, Globe Communications, Kimley-Horn and Associates, and ONUG Communications. Heading into the second phase of the project, we anticipate a favorable environmental assessment for Round 2 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in the next few weeks. We also are currently reviewing construction bids for this second phase with a vendor decision expected within the next month – hopefully construction can begin in May or early June. Broadband undergirds the communication infrastructure of everything we do today. Through public-private partnerships and dedicated workers, we are pleased at the rate this new network is progressing. There is a sense of urgency to complete the project before the summer 2013 scheduled completion date because we want to begin using the enhanced NCREN to serve the rapidly growing broadband needs of our students, public health facilities, and healthcare providers. The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber traversing 69 counties. Currently, Round 1 work is being performed in southeastern and western parts of the state. The Round 2 construction is much larger and will encompass seven routes in North Carolina divided into these identified segments: North Central; Northeast; Outer Banks; South Central; Central; Northwest; and Graham. This new network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, and through
3/20/2011 11:00 AM
Broadband update: NC project ahead of schedule :: Editor's Blog at WR...
2 of 2
http://wraltechwire.com/business/tech_wire/news/blogpost/9292279/
private-sector partners, approximately 180,000 businesses and more than 300,000 underserved families. In addition to our website that is chalked full of project information, maps, video and photos, you also can follow the progress of the GLRBI at www.twitter.com/GLRBI or www.facebook.com/GLRBI. (Editor’s Note: This update/report on miles is based on conduit placed in the ground as opposed to fiber miles. Fiber is generally one of the last work steps, and only takes a fraction of the time of physical conduit installation.) Get the latest news alerts: Follow WRAL Tech Wire at Twitter.
Copyright 2011 WRAL Tech Wire. All rights reserved. Tags: Broadband, Internet, MCNC
Editor's Blog The latest blog posts from our WRAL Tech Wire and WRAL editors.
3/20/2011 11:00 AM
In searching the publicly accessible web, we found a webpage of interest and provide a snapshot of it below. Please be advised that this page, and any images or links in it, may have changed since we created this snapshot. For your convenience, we provide a hyperlink to the current webpage as part of our service.
City leaders discuss legislative priorities | Independent Tribune
Page 1 of 2
Friday, March 4, 2011 | Concord, North Carolina 54° Feels Like: 54° Overcast
NEWS HOME / NEWS /
City leaders discuss legislative priorities Recommend
Sign Up to see what your friends recommend.
By KAREN CIMINO WILSON Published: March 03, 2011
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. -- Annexation, alcohol sales and funding for the extension of high-speed fiber optics to the N.C. Research Campus are a few of Kannapolis’ list of 2011 State Legislative Priorities. Kannapolis City Council unanimously approved its 2011 state and federal priorities this week. The city supports the N.C. League of Municipalities legislative priorities for 2011, but went deeper with its own specific interests. Kannapolis council members said they do not support N.C. Senate Bill 27 or N.C. House Bill 9, both of which would place a moratorium on city-initiated annexation. City officials also support allowing cities to create growth zones, also known as extraterritorial jurisdictions, without county approval. Last year, Kannapolis received legislative approval to annex property that is already surrounded by city limits, but has not exercised that authority yet. Officials also oppose any legislation that would require single countywide ABC systems. Legislators begin considering reform for the N.C. Alcoholic Beverage Control systems statewide following abuses uncovered in Mecklenburg County that included a liquor company’s extravagant dinner for ABC board members. Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg said the city wants to preserve local control over alcohol sales. “There was some talk about one system per county,” he said. “That would be a bad thing for Kannapolis because it lies in two counties. There are other municipalities that are also like that.” Kannapolis also opposes any state cuts that would affect the Federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program, which has provided two grants to MCNC. One of those grants would extend fiber telecommunications infrastructure to downtown Kannapolis and the N.C. Research Campus. MCNC is working to improve broadband technology through the state’s university system and the Research Campus was included in that effort. City officials also want state legislators to consider funding construction of a bridge at Rogers Lake Road. The N.C. Department of Transportation is considering the construction of a new railroad overpass on 24th Street in north Kannapolis. City officials said the bridge on Rogers Lake Road is a more greatly needed project because it is an east-west corridor carrying more traffic than any of the other Kannapolis crossings, according to city officials. Rogers Lake Road is used by 5,200 to 6,700 cars daily while 24th Street is used by 920 to 2,300 vehicles daily. “You’re saying you want to request the funding to be transferred, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Kannapolis council member Ken Geathers said. “Rogers Lake Road is more important, but I’m not sure we should be fooling around with that.” Geathers said he’d rather work to get both bridges built. Legg said the city council adopted an agreement to close railroad crossings. “There was a bridge in that plan. This really goes to a lot of vacant property so it’s a lot cheaper. The downside is it doesn’t really connect you to anything,” Legg said. Contact reporter Karen Cimino Wilson: 704-789-9141. Recommend
Sign Up to see what your friends recommend.
Reader Reactions Voice your opinion by posting a comment.
Post a Comment (Please Sign In | Register) ! ! ! !
Please avoid offensive, vulgar, or hateful language. Respect others. Use the "Flag Comment" link when necessary. See the Terms and Conditions for details.
Please sign in to respond | Sign In | Register
http://www2.independenttribune.com/news/2011/mar/03/city-leaders-discuss-legislative-priorities-ar-830942/
3/4/2011
City leaders discuss legislative priorities | Independent Tribune
Page 2 of 2
ADVERTISEMENT
DealTaker.com Promo Codes Independent Tribune
Games, Puzzles & Trivia
Advergaming and Branded Media
Š2011 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company. Terms and Conditions | Work With Us
Independent Tribune: Feedback | Advertise With Us | Contact Us | RSS | Daily Newsletter | E-Mail Alerts | Log in for comments | Site Map | Search Partners: News Tip | Subscribe | Contact Us | Place An Ad | Newspaper Ads/Announcements | Photo Reprints | Newspapers in Education | Corrections Regional Partner Links: Hickory Daily Record | Mcdowell News | Morganton News Herald | Mooresville Tribune | Statesville Record & Landmark | Winston-Salem Journal
Calais - Powered by Thomson Reuters
http://www2.independenttribune.com/news/2011/mar/03/city-leaders-discuss-legislative-priorities-ar-830942/
3/4/2011
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadba...
1 of 3
Contribute» Home More:
Arts
Business
Blogs»
Crime Images»
Education Video»
Press Release
Entertainment Groups»
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/239529
Log In | Sign Up
Find Digital Journal on Environment
Food
Live Events»
Health
Internet
News Alerts»
Lifestyle
Politics
Religion
Science
Sports
Technology
Travel
World
Help»
More press releases»
Broadband Internet High Speed Plans Start At $12.95/mo No Contract Or Credit Card Required FreshDeals.com
Submarine Telcoms Forum dedicated magazine and RSS Feed and Voice of the Industry subtelforum.com
Fiber Optic Cable Assemb. Single/Multibranch, UV/VIS/IR Custom & Standard End Tips, Tubings www.FiberOpticSystems.com
$9/Mo Wireless Broadband Get Blazing Fast Speeds! See This Wireless Broadband Limited Offer. Topicologist.com
Press Releases Delivering Trust, Delivering Protection - 3 mins ago via PR Newswire
Primero Appoints Vice President of Exploration - 6 mins ago via Marketwire
Advanced Bionics Presents Strengthened Management Team - 6 mins ago via PR Newswire Summit Donates One Million Dollars for Florida Student Scholarships - 7 mins ago via PR Newswire Cap-Ex Doubles Land Holdings in Labrador Iron Trough - 7 mins ago via Marketwire Etihad Airways and the Engine Alliance Finalize GP7200 Engine and Fleet Management Agreements 8 mins ago via PR Newswire
Manulife Financial Corporation announces Preferred Share issue - 8 mins ago via CNW Manulife Financial Corporation announces Preferred Share issue - 8 mins ago via PR Newswire MarketReportsOnline - Austrian Market for Dental Prosthetics and CAD/CAM Devices 2011 - 9 mins ago via PR Newswire
Tanqueray® Unlocks Free Zagat Content Through New iPhone Application: Zagat T&T Finder - 10 mins ago via PR Newswire
1 2 3 ... 627 Next» Email this
Share on Facebook
3/7/2011 9:59 AM
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadba...
2 of 3
Comcast® Cable Get Comcast Internet for Only $19.99 a Month for 6 Months! www.Comcast.com
Fiber Jumpers Made in USA ST/SC/FC/LC Simplex/Duplex Singlemode/Multimode Great Prices www.amerifiber.com
Fiber Optic Cable Timbercon Fiber Optic Products. USA Manufactured. Call Us Today! www.TimberCon.com
Fiber Optic Construction Outside Plant - Ariel, Underground Michigan, Ohio, Indiana www.acd.net
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/239529
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative
+Add More Content» Reset Layout»
North Carolina company awarded second contract to provide materials for broadband expansion of NCREN PR Newswire
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HICKORY, N.C., March 7, 2011 RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and HICKORY, N.C., March 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -CommScope, Inc., a global leader in infrastructure solutions for communications networks, has been selected by MCNC to provide materials related to the second round expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI).
Buy an ad on DigitalJournal.com
CommScope, based in Hickory, was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first round expansion of NCREN. The round one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western N.C. CommScope's first round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina. "We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project," said Ric Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Broadband Solutions, CommScope. "Our selection is a validation of CommScope's capabilities and willingness to support MCNC's efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina." MCNC released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for an appropriate vendor to provide outside plant materials on Dec. 3, 2010. While design and engineering of the GLRBI route is continuing, the estimated amounts of materials to be purchased include: 2,000 miles of fiber; 1,500 miles of conduit; 1,500 hand holds; 30,000 couplers; 1,500 cable plugs; 3,000 end caps; 425 splices enclosures; 2,500 marking posts; 1,500 grounding rods; and 25 external telecommunication huts. "We have been pleased with CommScope's performance on the BTOP Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project," said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC's Vice President for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN's Chief Architect. "Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it." The GLRBI is a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western N.C. MCNC applied for and received two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards last year totaling $104 million. In addition, MCNC raised $42 million in private matching funds as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with private-sector engineering, construction, materials, and technology companies who will assist with the build. The project will build a fiber optic, broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 Schools, Community Colleges, Universities, Libraries, Public Health and Public Safety Facilities and Non-Profit and University Hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with whom MCNC has formed partnerships. The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses, and more than 300,000 underserved families. The project's Environmental Assessment currently is under review with construction ready to proceed. Currently, MCNC is evaluating proposals on construction bids and a vendor decision is expected within the next 30 to 45 days. Other current primary contractors/vendors supplying goods and services to the project include: ONUG Communications, Kimley-Horn Associates, CommScope, Cisco Systems, Globe Communications, Fiber Technologies, and Comtech. In evaluating the bid responses to this contract and all others, MCNC is working with the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED) in Durham to reach N.C. companies who qualify as small, disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. NCIMED has been advising MCNC on BTOP-related opportunities for several months and will continue to work with MCNC to make businesses throughout the state aware of BTOP-related opportunities. About CommScope CommScope, Inc. (www.commscope.com) provides essential infrastructure that makes communication possible. We empower people to connect and communicate seamlessly where, when, and how they choose. Our solutions and services for wired and wireless networks enable high-bandwidth data, video, and voice applications everywhere—at home, at work, and Email this
Share on Facebook
Hawaii Kilauea volcano crater collapses, spews lava 65 feet high
evolve Backed by numerous respected brands such as Andrew® SYSTIMAX® and
3/7/2011 9:59 AM
CommScope to Provide Fiber Materials for Golden LEAF Rural Broadba...
3 of 3
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/239529
Corporate
Help & Support
News Links
Contact Us About Us Media Center Advertise Top Digital Journalists Investors & Partners
Help Center Frequently Asked Questions Editorial Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Code of Conduct
News Alerts Digital Journal News Digital Journal Mobile Digital Journal Television Digital Journal Magazine Global Press Releases
copyright Š 1998-2011 digitaljournal.com | powered by dell servers
Email this
Share on Facebook
Hawaii Kilauea volcano crater collapses, spews lava 65 feet high
3/7/2011 9:59 AM
CommScope wins $14M broadband contract | Charlotte Business Journal
1 of 1
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/news/2011/03/07/commscope-win...
This Was Printed From Charlotte Business Journal
Charlotte Business Journal Date: Monday, March 7, 2011, 11:22am EST - Last Modified: Monday, March 7, 2011, 1:22pm EST Related: Technology CommScope Inc. has won a contract to expand the N.C. Research and Education Network. The administrator of the network is MCNC. The Research Triangle Park-based organization won $104 million in federal stimulus funds last year to finance installation of fiber-optic lines to link schools, libraries, hospitals and other community institutions. Under the contract, Hickory-based CommScope will receive $14 million to install 1,500 miles of fiber-optic lines across the state. The contract is MCNC’s second with CommScope. In August, it received $2.5 million to expand the network. Consumers and businesses along the network will enjoy enhanced broadband service through commercial providers that partner with MCNC. The network has the potential to serve more than 180,000 businesses and 300,000 underserved families.
3/7/2011 1:27 PM
1 of 1
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/member-center/share-this/print/?content...
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/mar/07/commscope-gets-larger-role-contract-buildout-nc-fiar-842058/
Published: March 07, 2011 Home / news / local /
By Hickory Record Staff CommScope will once again provide its product to help connect folks in rural North Carolina to high-speed Internet. MCNC, which stands for Microelectronics Center of North Carolina and is a nonprofit organization, awarded a $14 million contract to CommScope to provide materials to lay around 1,500 miles of new fiber throughout the northeastern, northwest and central part of the state. The network is through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative, which awarded an estimated $2.5 million contract to CommScope in August for materials to cover 407 miles of high-speed fiber to 37 counties in the state. “We are honored to be chosen again by MCNC to assist with this important project,” said Ric Johnsen, senior vice president of broadband solutions for CommScope. “Our selection is a validation of CommScope’s capabilities and willingness to support MCNC’s efforts to bring an advanced network to the State of North Carolina.” The project is part of a total $146 million broadband infrastructure expansion that’s expected to run through 69 counties has the potential to reach 1,500 institutions like schools, libraries and hospitals, more than 300,000 underserved families and serve more than 180,000 businesses when it’s complete. The $146 million is from federal and private sources. The $14 contract, with the North Carolina Research and Education Network, means CommScope will provide an estimated 2,000 miles of fiber and 1,500 miles of conduit, among other materials, for the project. “We have been pleased with CommScope’s performance on the (Broadband Technology Opportunities Program) Round 1 implementation as well as their continued commitment to our project,” said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC’s vice president for network infrastructure initiatives and NCREN’s chief architect. “Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband. This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it,” said Jacobson. Joseph Depa, manager of corporate communications for CommScope, said Monday that the new contract won’t mean new jobs at the company. Hickory Daily Record © Copyright 2011 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.
3/7/2011 8:39 PM
Editorial: Hands off Golden LEAF trust money : News-Record.com : Gre...
1 of 1
http://www.news-record.com/content/2011/03/09/article/editorial_hands...
news-record.com
Thursday, March 10, 2011 (Updated 3:01 am) With the state facing a record budget deficit, the cash cow called Golden LEAF finds itself at the top of the endangered species list. The new Republican majority in the General Assembly has looked longingly at tapping the well-moneyed foundation as one easy way to plug the $2.4 billion hole in the state budget. So far, Democratic Gov. Bev Perdue has resisted, citing the pressing needs to use Golden LEAF money to woo new jobs, particularly in areas where tobacco once was king. A little background is in order. Golden LEAF’s funding comes from the 1998 settlement by major cigarette companies of a lawsuit brought by 46 states over health care costs associated with smoking. North Carolina’s share is expected to total $4.56 billion over at least 25 years. During the past 10 years, the state has received $1.7 billion. However, controversy continues to swirl around how the money is being spent. The emphasis is on using it to create new jobs and further educational opportunities for residents of communities impacted by the loss of jobs linked to raising or processing tobacco. That has included funding for research on how to grow healthier Christmas trees, for enticing Caterpillar to Winston-Salem and for aviation industry classes at GTCC. But also on the list is $100 million for the Global TransPark in Kinston, which has yet to pan out, and the $300,000 to public television’s WUNC-TV — which used the money to air positive stories about Golden LEAF. And therein lies the rub. Critics say the foundation’s board is riddled with cronyism, and that grants, large and small, are doled out based on political connections rather than merit. A 2009 state auditor’s report underscored those concerns by concluding that Golden LEAF failed to adequately oversee grants, violated open meetings laws and turned a blind eye to political conflicts of interest. Foundation President Dan Gerlach counters that money now is being spent wisely and impartially, citing Golden LEAF and federal matching grants used to bring broadband services to dozens of rural counties. While the process has been less than perfect, focusing on long-term economic growth makes more sense than following the examples of some other states and earmarking the settlement money for budget deficits. A short-term fix looks inviting, but once spent, the money is gone. On the other hand, if it generates new jobs, both struggling families and hard-pressed communities will benefit long-term. The better approach is continuing to demand more accountability from the foundation’s 15-member board. Republicans, in past legislative sessions on the outside looking in, will get their chance to effect change. The governor, Senate president and House speaker all appoint board members. Meanwhile, mortgaging the future to pay current bills sounds inviting, but somewhere down Tobacco Road it would come back to haunt us.
200 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 (800) 553-6880 203 E. Harris Place, Eden, NC 27288 (336) 627-1781 Copyright © 2011 News & Record
3/11/2011 7:27 AM
Fiber-optic vision [The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.]
1 of 3
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/03/21/5389960.htm
New Coverage : M2M | Smart Grid | Robotics | Insurance | 4GWE | Satellite | Info Tech | Business Video | MSPnews™
Global Online Communities (GOC)
Industries
Publications
Verticals
International
Resources
Events
News
Blogs
Videos
10 Gigabit Ethernet
Contact Center Solutions
Hosted Exchange
CTI
Hosted VoIP
Next Gen Network Solutions
Telecom Expense Management
Video Conferencing
Asterisk Business Mobility
Dark Fiber
IP Communications
Outbound Call Center
VoIP Routers
Call Center Performance
Defrag
IPTV
Policy Management
Testing Wireless Networks
Call Center Services
DNS
IVR
SIP Trunking
Unified Communications
Wireless Backhaul
Call Center Software
Enterprise Call Recording
Mobile VoIP
Smart Data Centers
Wireless Headsets
Call Recording
Fixed Mobile Convergence
Telecommunications
Communication Solutions
Headsets
Next Generation Communications
Unified Communications Headsets
Telepresence
Voice of the Customer
TMCnet LOGIN
Share
0
Voice Quality VoIP Software
0
|
More
SUBSCRIPTIONS IMPORTANT
Bookmark mobile.TMCnet.com on your mobile phone now to stay on top of the latest tech news.
FORUMS HORIZONTALS
[March 21, 2011] Featured White Papers
ABOUT TMC
WEBINARS TMCnet CHANNELS #1 VoIP Enabler: Risk-free, Quick & Easy Deployment
Fiber-optic vision [The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.] (News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) March 21--In the telecom business, the big fear is that Internet servers choke to a standstill on high-definition movies,
911 Services
video conferences and streaming audio.
Advanced Carrier Services
The expectation of broadband congestion is forcing commercial Internet service providers to
Agent Performance
consider options like tiered pricing or other unpopular approaches that charge heavy users
Appliance Deployment
higher rates.
Application Performance Management
For its part, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission is considering diverting some of
Best Practices in the Call Center: A Customer Touch-Point Methodology, Free Oracle Corporation Best Practices Connect and Empower Mobile Salespeople Social CRM Comes of Age view all white papers…
Top Stories What AT&T Purchase of T-Mobile Means
Application Performance Monitoring
the $8.7 billion annual Universal Service Fund from subsidizing rural phone service to
Auto Attendant
the option of subscribing to even basic high-speed Internet.
AT&T Announces Deal to Buy T-Mobile; Opposition …
subsidizing rural broadband in mostly poor, isolated areas where residents still don't have AT&T and T-Mobile Merger Resulting in 'Irrational …
Auto Dealer CRM
Free Webinar Explores the Advantages of Cloud-based Fax-over-…
Auto Dialer BPA (3rd Party Remote Call Monitoring)
Internet Society Names New COO
BPM Software
more of today's top stories...
Budgeting Software Business Process Automation
Related VoIP News
Business Software
Alcatel-Lucent Picks Taleo's Performance and Analytics Solutions
Business VoIP Business VoIP Service
Epygi's Sonnen: Bringing Video Conferencing to SMBs, Small Enterprise Space
Call Center Call Center Certification Call Center Furniture Call Center Headsets Call Center Hiring
One local approach to dealing with the problem of broadband capacity shortages is unfolding in Raleigh, where a nonprofit Internet service provider is more than doubling the size of its network to prevent system overloads.
Call Center Management Call Center On Demand
MCNC, created by the General Assembly three decades ago, will soon operate one of the
Call Center Scheduling
state's largest high-speed data networks. Once the organization completes a planned
Call Center Software
addition of 1,700 miles of fiber-optic cable over the next three years, it will operate nearly
Call Center Solutions
3,000 miles of cable linking most of the state's schools, colleges and universities on its N.C.
Call Center Training
Xorcom's CEO: Improving PBX Reliability is Focus of New XE Series IPNetzone Communications Opts for XO Communications Nationwide Ethernet Access Network 4PSA Unveils VoipNow Cloud Instance Service
Research and Education Network.
Call Center Wallboards Call Center Workforce Management Call Monitoring
But getting there over the next three years will take more than $100 million in federal stimulus subsidies for broadband expansion.
Call Recording Carrier Ethernet
Just a few years ago, MCNC was facing a major capacity crunch as students, researchers
Cloud Communications
and professors put increasing demands on the system. Any laptop or iPad that downloads
Cloud Computing
music or uploads videos from 2,500 schools and campuses in the state does so over
Cloud Storage Cloud Telephony Colocation Communications Provider
MCNC's network. That's on top of the heavy-duty university computing systems, research laboratories and administrative services that depend on the data network. Today MCNC is building out enough capacity for at least 25 years, said MCNC chief executive Joe Freddoso. The total cost of the project will come to $146 million. In addition to the $100 million from the federal stimulus, MCNC will pay for the project with $24 million from
Conference Call
the Golden LEAF Foundation in Rocky Mount and its own funds.
Consumer Robotics Contact Center Outsourcing
Much of MCNC's buildout will ring the state, linking the mountains, coastal areas and other remote areas into a wobbly oval.
Contact Center Software Coordinated Care Management CRM Cloud Computing
"In many of these areas where we're building, there is no fiber," Freddoso said. MCNC received North Carolina's biggest chunk of a $7.2 billion national stimulus subsidy
CRM Software
program designed to improve the nation's broadband reach. In all, last year North Carolina
CRM Solutions
got more than $250 million in broadband subsidies, some going to small rural telecoms and
Customer Service
3/21/2011 8:23 AM
Fiber-optic vision [The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.]
2 of 3
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/03/21/5389960.htm
Software Data Center Network Data Center Power
rural electric cooperatives. As a result of its expansion, MCNC is moving from a model where it primarily leases
e911
broadband capacity from commercial telecommunications providers to building its own
E911 Hosted Solutions
parallel network. In essence, MCNC will go from being a net importer to a net exporter of
Embedded Multi-core
broadband capacity.
Enterprise Fax over IP Enterprise SBC
MCNC's rapid growth has raised questions about whether the organization is overbuilding its networks and doing so at public expense.
Environmental Monitoring ERP Software
Private providers irked Commercial Internet service providers had co-existed peacefully with MCNC as long as the Raleigh organization stuck to its knitting and served its limited base of
Ethernet Extender
universities and their specialized research needs.
Fax Over IP FoIP
But in the past several years, MCNC has expanded prolifically. It has added 115 school
Green Builders
districts and 58 community colleges to its network, and is now adding nonprofit hospitals and
HD Voice
public libraries.
Healthcare Robotics
MCNC's growth has not gone unnoticed by rural telecoms such as Windstream, TDS Hosted Call Center
Telecom, Suddenlink Communications and Charter Communications. These companies
Hosted Contact Center
notified the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which
Hosted CRM
administered the broadband subsidy grants, that the areas proposed for expansion by
Hosted Predictive Dialer
MCNC in 2009 and 2010, were already well-served and didn't require subsidization. The
Industrial Robotics
areas include Cumberland, Edgecombe, Gaston, Carteret and Harnett counties.
Interactive Voice Response
Pete Able, spokesman for St. Louis-based Suddenlink, said the federal law authorizing
IP Fax
broadband subsidies requires that "no such funds ... be used to construct new broadband
IP Media Server IP Multimedia Phone
facilities in areas that are already served by multiple companies." Suddenlink told the NTIA that "Suddenlink and its competitors already offer robust broadband service within the mapped area" proposed for expansion by MCNC.
IP Phone Maker IP Phone Systems
Piggybacking required Freddoso said MCNC is investing for future needs and in recent
IP Phones
years has already come perilously close to exceeding its network capacity during times of
IP Transit
peak Internet demand.
ITIL Certification IVR IVR Solutions
"If we had maxed out on capacity, we would have to restrict access to users," he said. As a condition of receiving stimulus funds, MCNC is required to make its rural network
IVR System
accessible to commercial providers at reasonable prices, a policy designed to expand public
Knowledge Management
Internet access by piggybacking on MCNC's system.
Knowledge Management Software Lead Management Software Least Cost Routing
Freddoso said it costs about $12 million a year to run MCNC's network, a cost that is expected to remain stable after the expansion. If not for the stimulus money, he said, MCNC would have had to lease more capacity and its annual operating costs would have gone up to about $19 million.
Managed Networks Managed Services
Fans of MCNC MCNC's state government clients consider the Internet service provider a
Master Agent
bargain. It charges fees that can be as little as half of those charged by commercial Internet
Metro Ethernet Military Robotics Mobile Unified Communications Mobile Video Mobile VoIP
providers for comparable service, said Darryl McGraw, chief information officer at Wake Tech Community College. MCNC is also the Internet service provider for Wake County government and for the state government. According to N.C. Virtual Public School, a program within the N.C. Board of Education, the
NEBS
number of high schoolers in the state taking distance learning has jumped from 5,200 to
Network Acceleration
22,400 in the past four years. These courses require high-speed video connections linking
Network Access
labs and classrooms across the state.
Network Monitoring Network Processor
"I don't think the school districts would have ever been able to afford that level of service from a commercial provider," said Ray Reitz, chief technology officer at Chapel Hill-Carrboro
On Hold Messages Online Video Platform Solutions
City Schools. "The main aspect is the exponential growth in online learning we've seen in our schools." john.murawski@newsobserver.com or To see more of The News & Observer, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newsobserver.com.
Open Source Recording Power Protection
Copyright (c) 2011, The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.
Predictive Dialer Private Cloud
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Projector Lamp Renewable energy
For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com, e-mail services@mctinfoservices.com, or
Sales Software
call 866-280-5210 (outside the United States, call +1 312-222-4544)
Satellite Optimization [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Softswitch Software Licensing Solar Power Speech Recognition and Text to Speech Survey Telecom Cost Management Telecom Expense Management
Add New Comment Optional: Login below.
Telemarketing Software Text Messaging
Warning: A browser setting is preventing you from logging in. Fix this setting to log in
Video Content Management Systems
3/21/2011 8:23 AM
Fiber-optic vision [The News & Observer, Raleigh, N.C.]
3 of 3
http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2011/03/21/5389960.htm
Virtual Call Center Virtual Office Virtual PBX Voice Broadcast Voice Management Voice Peering VoIP Call Center VoIP Call Recording
Showing 0 comments Sort by
Subscribe by email
Subscribe by RSS
VoIP Equipment VoIP Gateways VoIP Management VoIPSwitch WAN Optimization as a Service
Trackback URL
blog comments powered by DISQUS
WiMAX Testing Wind Power Wireless Management
Videos
White Papers
Interview with Stratus
Workforce Management
The Proven Financial Benefits of SIP Trunk Consolidation
03/12/2009 Workforce Optimization
TMC Newsroom Zetafax
10/05/2009
World’s Largest Voice Authentication Deployment Makes Privacy Protection More Convenient for Bell Customers
Verizon Delivers a Truly Digitized Healthcare System 10/18/2010
Podcasts
Sessions
NTT's VLink Ethernet Solution Making Telephony Work in the Cloud The benefits of Hosted Exchange 2010 for SMBS
Selecting a gateway for your Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 deployment
Headlines
Upcoming Events
Racing: Jumping's heart beating ever stronger: An amateur jockey and Cheltenham's old guard made for a historic Festival, says Will Hayler
ITEXPO West 2011
Japan disaster: Survivors find a glimmer of hope in town that vanished under the wave: Jonathan Watts visits Minami Sanriku to find roads have been cleared and supplies are getting through as conditions slowly improve for many who have lost all
September 13-15, 2011 Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX
Corporate News
Snapshots
4GWE 2010 Product of the Year Award Winners Unveiled
Skype
Satellite Spotlight 2010 Product of the Year Award Winners Announced
Linksys
NICE Systems
Cloud Communications Summit
Elster Solutions, LLC Awarded the 2010 TMCnet Smart Energy Excellence Award
September 13-15, 2011 Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX
Smart Grid Excellence Award Winners Unveiled
September 13-15, 2011 Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX
4G Wireless Evolution Conference
view more…
Freud under fire for conflicting roles in healthy eating campaign: PR guru who advises ministers has contracts with firms selling fizzy drinks and sweets
Vonage
Sprint North Supply
IP Multimedia Subsystem Siemens
John Ioli Joins TMC as Account Director
Verizon Hewlett-Packard Nokia
TMC Announces Webinar: Building Communities Online: Reduce Marketing Spend While Boosting Sales, Search and Social Initiatives
Front: BUDGET Osborne lifeline for low earners and motorists: HEALTH Freud PR firm in row over anti-obesity scheme: EDUCATION Oxford dons defy Clegg on state school entrants: JAPAN Nuclear workers restore power to water pumps AP Technology NewsBrief at 8:17 a.m. EDT
Telefonos de Mexico Avaya Alcatel-Lucent
TMC, Biscom and Dialogic to Host Webinar: How and Why Companies are Switching to Fax over IP (FoIP)
Microsoft
TMC and PanTerra to Host 'Leveling the Playing Field' Webinar
Comcast
view more…
Google Motorola
FCC Spatializer Audio Labs
view more…
AT&T view more…
Subscribe FREE to all of TMC's monthly magazines. Click here now.
The World's Largest Communications And Technology Community Technology Marketing Corporation, 800 Connecticut Ave, 1st Floor East, Norwalk, CT 06854 USA Ph: 800-243-6002, 203-852-6800; Fx: 203-866-3326 General comments: tmc@tmcnet.com. Comments about this site: webmaster@tmcnet.com. » About » Contact » Advertise
Technology Marketing Corp. 1997-2011 Copyright . Privacy Policy Sitemap
CHANNELS COMMUNITIES INDUSTRIES VERTICALS TMCNET SERVICES FREE ENEWSLETTERS NEWS ALERTS
PUBLICATIONS CIS MAGAZINE INFOTECH MAGAZINE IT MAGAZINE NGN MAGAZINE UC MAGAZINE TMC LABS
WHITE PAPER LIBRARY VIDEOS PODCAST WEBINARS EVENTS FORUMS CONTRIBUTORS
3/21/2011 8:23 AM
MCNC awards $14M contract to CommScope | Triangle Business Journal
1 of 1
http://www.bizjournals.com/triangle/news/2011/03/07/mcnc-awards-14...
This Was Printed From Triangle Business Journal
Triangle Business Journal Date: Monday, March 7, 2011, 11:05am EST Related: Technology MCNC has awarded communications infrastructure company CommScope Inc. a $14 million contract to build the second-round expansion of the N.C. Research and Education Network, a fiber optics network to connect schools, colleges and hospitals across the state. CommScope (NYSE: CTV), based in Hickory, previously was selected in August 2010 to provide materials for the first expansion of NCREN. The contract, valued at an estimated $2.5 million, called for CommScope to construct 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western North Carolina. The second round of expansion for NCREN will build 1,500 miles of new fiber. The expansion is funded by the Golden Leaf Rural Broadband Initiative, a $146 million expansion of NCREN that includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western North Carolina. MCNC, a nonprofit located in Research Triangle Park in Durham, seeks to improve collaboration among schools and colleges in North Carolina. The organization has received federal funding of $104 million and private funding of $42 million on the NCREN project.
3/7/2011 1:09 PM
MCNC picks CommScope for second phase of network expansion :: Editor...
1 of 1
http://wraltechwire.com/business/tech_wire/news/blogpost/9226871/
Posted Mar. 7, 2011 at 8:53 a.m.
NCREN expansion project By WRAL Tech Wire RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. — Hickory-based CommScope will provide cabling and other materials for the second phase of the North Carolina Research and Education Network expansion project, MCNC disclosed Monday. The contract is worth some $14 million. MCNC operates the state-wide network that is adding hundreds of miles of fiber-optic cable in order to reach many more counties and communities than previously served with broadband. CommScope also is providing materials for the first phase of the project under a $2.5 million contract.. Golden LEAF, the economic development group based in Rocky Mount, is providing much of the financial support for the second phase of the contract. The second phase of the project includes 1,500 miles of fiber across various parts of the state. The first phase included 407 miles of fiber-optic backbone. CommScope also will provide conduit, couplers, hand holds, external telecommunication huts and other materials. “Today, there are still major areas of the state, particularly rural areas, where citizens do not have access to basic broadband,” said Tommy Jacobson, MCNC’s vice president for Network Infrastructure Initiatives and NCREN’s chief architect. “This second contract with CommScope allows us to strengthen our partnership for delivering broadband to those parts of North Carolina who really need it.” MCNC is receiving more than $104 million in federal funding for the NCREN upgrade. It also has raised $42 million in matching funds. Get the latest news alerts: Follow WRAL Tech Wire at Twitter.
Copyright 2011 WRAL Tech Wire. All rights reserved. Tags: Broadband, Internet, MCNC
Editor's Blog The latest blog posts from our WRAL Tech Wire and WRAL editors.
3/7/2011 9:02 AM
MCNC taps CommScope again
1 of 1
http://www.cedmagazine.com/News/2011/03/CommScope-North-Caroli...
Search CED
Get daily Communications industry top stories and headlines - Sign up now! MCNC taps CommScope again By Brian Santo CedMagazine.com - March 07, 2011
Advanced Search
CED Home E-newsletters
MCNC is expanding its North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN) and will use products from CommScope. The network was originally built with CommScope equipment.
CED Broadband Direct Archive Product Showcase Archive Subscribe to CED
MCNC is expanding the network through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative (GLRBI) and is using two U.S. Department of Commerce Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) awards from last year to fund the expansion.
Tools
The BTOP awards total $104 million, supplemented by $42 million in private matching funds, as required by the federal program. The majority of these funds will be spent with private sector engineering, construction, materials and technology companies that will assist with the build.
Webinars Events Calendar LiveFrom Cable-Tec EXPO '10 Show Daily Archive Broadband White Papers Job Search Digital Library CED Wallcharts
Sponsors
The expansion of NCREN includes more than 2,000 miles of new fiber through 69 counties in North Carolina. Currently, about 85 miles of conduit for Round 1 are complete in southeastern and western North Carolina. CommScope was selected in August to provide materials for the first-round expansion of NCREN. The round-one build encompasses construction of 407 miles of high-speed fiber optics in 37 counties in southeastern and western North Carolina. CommScope's first-round contract was estimated at $2.5 million. This latest contract is estimated at $14 million and is slated to construct approximately 1,500 miles of new fiber through northeastern, north central, northwest, south central and central North Carolina, CommScope said. The project will build a fiber-optic broadband delivery infrastructure that serves community anchor institutions (K-12 schools, community colleges, universities, libraries, public health and public safety facilities, and non-profit and university hospitals) statewide. Consumers and small businesses along the fiber build will be reached with enhanced broadband service through commercial telecommunications and cable providers with which MCNC has formed partnerships.
Topics Broadband Business Cable Telephony Digital Future Fiber Optics HFC Architecture Internet Services
The network has the potential to serve more than 1,500 anchor institutions, 180,000 businesses and more than 300,000 underserved families. Printer Friendly Version | E-mail to a Colleague
Magazine Current Issue CED Wallcharts WEB EXTRA New Products Archives Digital Edition Sample Subscribe to Print
Editorial 2011 CED Editorial Calendar Contact CED Contact the Editor Editorial Staff News Release Policy Reprints Submit Event for Online Calendar Submit News Release
Advertising Sales Contacts 2011 Editorial Calendar 2011 Media Kit List Rental Ad Specifications
Our Partner Sites ECN Product Design & Development Wireless Week
Quick Links 2011 Editorial Calendar 2011 Media Kit
Advertise with Us | Contact Free Print & Newsletter Subscriptions Use of this web site is subject to its Terms and Conditions of Use. Copyright 2011 Advantage Business Media. View our Privacy Policy.
3/7/2011 5:40 PM
1 of 2
http://www2.nbc17.com/member-center/share-this/print/?content=ar838730
http://www2.nbc17.com/news/2011/mar/06/nc-gop-lawmakers-target-tobacco-settlement-money-ar-838730/
Published: March 06, 2011 Home / news / local / govt_politics /
By Gary D. Robertson
The manufacture of Camels and Lucky Strikes kept tax dollars flowing in North Carolina during Big Tobacco's heyday. Now lawmakers are asking if they should take long-protected cigarette company settlement money - while possibly settling a humbling chapter in the state's past. Their target is money in the Golden LEAF Foundation, a private nonprofit organization chartered by the Legislature in 1999 to manage half the state's expected $4.5 billion share of the national tobacco settlement between cigarette companies and 46 states through 2025. The Rocky Mount-based foundation so far has awarded $450 million in grants, most of which have gone to try to improve the economic climate in small towns and areas affected by tobacco's wane. It retains about $600 million in assets. Critics, mostly Republicans, argue money has been wasted and choices draped in political influence. The governor, Senate leader and House speaker who pick the board members have been Democratic for nearly the foundation's entire existence. "It's a patronage organization," said House Majority Leader Paul Stam, R-Wake. With the GOP now in charge of the Legislature, a draft measure Stam is floating that would repeal the foundation's charter is getting a look. It would earmark current and future Golden LEAF funds for projects for the state employee retirement system, community college instructional equipment, and a statewide loan and grant fund to help provide infrastructure to recruit business. The proposal, obtained by The Associated Press, also would set aside 10 percent of the state's annual settlement funds in 2012 and 2013 to give $20,000 apiece to thousands of mental patients and prisoners sterilized against their will decades ago through a state program. That works out to $152 million if all 7,600 people sterilized between 1933 and 1973 or their descendants are paid. Democratic Rep. Larry Womble of Winston-Salem, home to cigarette maker Reynolds American Inc., said remedying the sterilization is more important to him than protecting the tobacco funds. "This is something that I would seriously consider," said Womble, who has tried unsuccessfully for years to get compensation for the sterilization victims. "That overrides anything that I can think of."
3/6/2011 12:53 PM
2 of 2
http://www2.nbc17.com/member-center/share-this/print/?content=ar838730
But the top leaders of the House and Senate have wondered aloud if taking money from Golden LEAF - its full name is the Golden Long-term Economic Advancement Foundation - makes sense. Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue made clear her defense of the foundation when she vetoed a Republican bill last month that would have intercepted a $67.6 million payment from Golden LEAF to hold over until this summer to help close a $2.4 billion budget gap next year. While $435 million have been taken from two other entities that receive the other 50 percent of the settlement money, Golden LEAF funds have never been diverted, according to General Assembly research staff. Trying to divert or eliminate the fund this year could cause more fireworks among lawmakers working toward preliminary budget decisions, said House Speaker Thom Tillis, R-Mecklenburg. "It could become a greater distraction that any real benefit, even if you accepted the thesis that those funds should be used a different way," he said. Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said changes to tobacco settlement money allocation isn't a top priority right now, but he said it's worth asking if there's a broader way to use the funds. Golden LEAF Foundation President Dan Gerlach said the organization has proven its value to the state through nearly 1,000 grants and by using its money wisely to build the endowment. Other states have used their settlement share to close budget shortfalls. "That's something that should not be penalized by eliminating the foundation or trying to divert the funds," Gerlach said. The grants have gone to Republican and Democratic areas, he said.
The foundation agreed last April to give $24 million in matching funds to help secure $76 million in federal stimulus to install 1,300 miles of fiber lines to improve high-speed broadband services to 69 underserved counties. Without the Golden LEAF money, "probably the most significant impact in broadband infrastructure in the state's history would be in peril," said Joe Freddoso, chief executive of MCNC, the nonprofit managing the project. A 2009 state audit highlighted some situations where political or financial influence was possible. Gerlach, who became executive director in 2008 after serving as then-Gov. Mike Easley's senior budget adviser, said problems identified in the audit have been fixed. John Hood with the conservative-leaning John Locke Foundation said he's not saying Golden LEAF has failed to help the state at times. But he points to its largest grant - $100 million announced in spring 2008 to help bring aircraft parts supplier Spirit AeroSystems to the Global TransPark - to suggest lawmakers would be better suited to allocate the settlement money. "Does anybody seriously believe that the General Assembly would have seen that as the best use of $100 million?" Hood asked. NBC-17 Š Copyright 2011 Media General Communications Holdings, LLC. A Media General company.
3/6/2011 12:53 PM
SOURCE: Greenville (NC) Daily Reflector AUDIENCE: 18,358 [provided by Nielsen//NetRatings] DATE: 03−24−2011 HEADLINE: Editorial: Promote broadband access Source Website Editorial: Promote broadband access Thursday, March 24, 2011 Knowing the commercial and educational advantages provided by high−speed broadband Internet access, North Carolina lawmakers should be devoted to expanding its reach to a greater share of the population. Instead, the House Finance Committee on Wednesday gave approval to a bill that creates a greater barrier to access, especially in underserved communities. Protecting the customer base of would−be Internet providers holds little merit when those companies refuse to provide the basic infrastructure so valuable to rural counties, including those in eastern North Carolina. The Legislature should be helping not inhibiting these communities in their pursuit of access and can do so by halting the progress of this bill. Counties in eastern North Carolina know this slow crawl of progress all too well. Electrification took hold in major American cities decades before Pitt County even discussed the concept. Power companies did not consider it profitable to expand the transmission grid into the state's rural corners, leaving cities to create local cooperatives in the interest of bringing power to homes and businesses. The cycle is repeating itself in regard to reliable, high−speed broadband access. Internet service providers are reluctant to install the critical infrastructure in many places " vast stretches of the east, many counties that border Virginia and South Carolina, the mountainous areas of the west " because the investment has no promise of a significant return. That leaves thousands of residents without access to a critical 21st century tool. Into the void once again have stepped communities like Wilson, Davidson, Mooresville and Salisbury that have established independent broadband networks. The Municipal Broadband Access bill, advanced at the behest of Internet service providers, aims to halt such action by making the establishment of such networks cost prohibitive for governments. That bill advanced through committee Wednesday, though it was amended to allow existing networks to remain. Residents of the Triangle, Piedmont and Charlotte−Mecklenburg corridor are fortunate to have choices in connecting their homes, businesses and schools, giving consideration to price and options more than simply getting online. Others are not so lucky, despite efforts like the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative to help. They would be most affected should this bill pass. What electricity and highways delivered to rural communities, high−speed broadband Internet now promises, with an unparalleled potential for commerce and education. To stand in the way of access only serves to harm North Carolina and, accordingly, lawmakers would do well to step aside. Copyright 2010 The Daily Reflector. All rights reserved Highlights: NC, NORTH CAROLINA, North Carolina, Golden LEAF, Rural Broadband Initiative
1