NGN Prepares for Significant Subscriber Growth in 2017

Plans are underway to increase equipment, inventory and support staff to respond to network demand in the new year 

Clarkesville, GA – February 7, 2017 – NGN, a member-owned cooperative operating over 1,600 miles of fiber optic infrastructure in Georgia, announces preparations are underway to support a projected 50 percent subscriber growth on the network from Members NGN Connect, Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (HEMC), and Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation (BREMC). NGN is investing in equipment, inventory and additional team members to be ready to handle the demand. The company’s leadership team will also be working on various peering arrangements and IRUs to expand network reach, and exploring new technologies and strategic partnerships that enhance subscriber experience.

NGN laid the groundwork for growth in 2017 over the past year with network upgrades, the inaugural Gigabit Communities Summit and several new additions to the NGN team. Highlights from 2016 include:

• The addition of 100 Gigabits of capacity using a Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network to support the increasing demand for higher bandwidth circuits and additional wavelengths from NGN’s nearly 8,500 subscribers, which include residents, small businesses and carrier clients across Georgia and North Carolina.
• Heavy investment in construction personnel, equipment and a new regional operations facility to better serve the growing NGN Connect customer base in Dawsonville, Dahlonega and Forsyth.
• Expansion into 55 Marietta St. with the establishment of a new point-of-presence (PoP) at Colo Atl in Atlanta that strengthened the NGN network, while decreasing OpEx.
• Hosting over 70 local government officials and community leaders for the Georgia Gigabit Communities Summit to discuss how gigabit infrastructure can enhance local economies and the overall quality of life of residents in rural communities.
• Creation of five new staff roles filled by locally-hired North Georgia and North Carolina residents.

“Since our inception, NGN has pushed the limits each year to bring best-in-class broadband services to local businesses and residents through our Member organizations,” states Paul Belk, President & CEO of NGN. “We had a very successful 2016, and 2017 is gearing up to be our best year yet. Throughout our growth, we’ll continue to provide the same high-quality, reliable service and support that’s become synonymous with the NGN name.”

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