Massachusetts Broadband Institute Selects Lightower Fiber Networks for Its Diverse Network Solution

BOXBOROUGH, MA--(Marketwire - Jan 4, 2012) -

• Lightower to provide diverse network solution to Massachusetts Broadband Institute's (MBI) statewide broadband expansion initiative.
• As a component of MassBroadband 123, Lightower will build into key Internet connection point in Boston.
• Fiber optic backbone will provide necessary infrastructure for future builds and additional broadband innovations.

Lightower Fiber Networks, the premier metro fiber network and bandwidth service provider in the Northeast, announced today that the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, has selected Lightower to provide a diverse network solution as part of its MassBroadband 123 initiative, a strategic network initiative which expands broadband and Internet throughout the state of Massachusetts. As a critical component of MassBroadband 123, the Lightower network build will connect the MassBroadband 123 network to the major Internet connection point in Boston via diverse paths to further ensure network reliability.

MassBroadband 123 is expanding high-speed Internet to over 120 communities in western and north central Massachusetts. This future-proof, fiber-optic backbone will provide the necessary infrastructure to bring innovative broadband technology to residents and businesses in the region as well as support Commonwealth of Massachusetts agencies throughout the western regions.

"Extending broadband access will strengthen the state's innovation economy and enhance our competitiveness," commented Pamela Goldberg, CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. "The MBI is building a sustainable fiber-optic network that will attract private investment and position the Commonwealth for future economic success."

As the premier metro fiber and bandwidth provider in the Northeast, based in Boxborough, Massachusetts, Lightower was selected through an open, rigorous and highly competitive procurement process. The MBI will lease its fiber on two diverse paths of the Lightower network to connect the MassBroadband 123 network to a key Internet Point of Presence located in Boston. The additional path of the Lightower network will connect with MassBroadband 123, providing redundant and diverse pathways to the major Internet access points in Boston. These connections will also provide a more affordable option for service providers in the western part of the state to carry Internet traffic to Boston.

"As a high tech company headquartered in Massachusetts, Lightower is honored to provide one of the fundamental components of the MassBroadband 123 network," stated Rob Shanahan, CEO of Lightower. "We are committed to supporting the vision of Governor Patrick and his administration of expanding broadband services to communities in western and north central Massachusetts and in furthering technological advances across the state. By leveraging Lightower's diverse fiber optic network assets, MassBroadband 123 benefits from connecting western and north central Massachusetts to all corners of the Commonwealth and the major Internet connection points in Boston."

For more information on Lightower and its all-fiber networking and broadband solutions, please visit www.lightower.com.

About Lightower Fiber Networks:
Lightower Fiber Networks is premier metro fiber and bandwidth provider in the Northeast, offering over 6,400 fiber route miles coupled with comprehensive transport, alternative access, and nationwide long haul services. Lightower's fiber footprint extends from New England, to eastern New York State, New Jersey, Long Island, and New York City. With access to over 2,800 buildings, Lightower offers unparalleled regional density, performance, scalability, security, and reliability in the Northeast. Lightower Fiber is headquartered in Boxborough, MA. For more information, visit www.lightower.com or call 888-LT-FIBER.