ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Merit Network, Inc. announced today the selection of Capital Communications as contractor for Consulting and Construction of Central Office Entrance Facilities on the REACH-3MC II broadband stimulus project. Capital Communications will perform engineering and installation necessary for REACH-3MC II Sub-recipients to access and colocate within central office facilities along the REACH-3MC II fiber path.
“Merit Network is pleased to announce the selection of Capital Communications as contractor for Consulting and Construction of Central Office Entrance Facilities for REACH-3MC II,” said Michael Milliken, director of network engineering for Merit.
“Capital Communications will play a critical role in the project by helping achieve its goal of improved service to homes and businesses in the service area. By helping REACH-3MC II Sub-recipients colocate within central office facilities, Capital is connecting last mile customers in underserved communities with providers who have stepped up and made an investment to offer them better service opportunities.”
REACH-3MC II will enable the commercial sub-recipients access in up to 34 central office facilities throughout the state, which they will use to provide “middle mile” service to local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in some instances and to provide improved “last mile” service to homes and businesses in others. An additional 12 colocation facilities will be constructed as part of REACH-3MC that will enable the same opportunities in the Upper Peninsula.
“It is a great honor to be chosen by Merit Network and to serve the citizenry of Michigan. With 26 years of delivering telecommunications solutions from Marquette to Monroe, the employees of Capital Communications are proud to be a part of a project as important as REACH in creating jobs and economic velocity for Michigan,” said David O’Reilly, president of Capital Communications.
Capital Communications was selected from a number of qualified applicants who responded to a Merit-issued Request for Proposal (RFP). While there were several strong proposals, Merit’s team thoroughly reviewed all RFPs and determined that Capital could deliver the best solution to meet the requirements of the REACH-3MC II project.
The Merit evaluation team made their selection based on the following criteria: company profile, scope of work, cost, technical requirements and an organization’s ability to complete the work in a timely manner.
About Merit Network
Merit Network Inc., is a nonprofit corporation owned and governed by Michigan’s public universities. Merit owns and operates America’s longest-running regional research and education network. In 1966, Michigan’s public universities created Merit as a shared resource to help meet their common need for networking assistance. Since its formation, Merit Network has remained at the forefront of research and education networking expertise and services. Merit provides high-performance networking and IT solutions to Michigan’s public universities, colleges, K-12 organizations, libraries, state government, healthcare, and other non-profit organizations.
For more information: www.merit.edu
About REACH-3MC
The REACH Michigan Middle Mile Collaborative (REACH-3MC) will build 2,287 miles of open-access, advanced fiber-optic network through rural and underserved communities in Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The network will also provide backhaul to key connection points in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Led by Merit Network, Michigan’s research and education network, REACH-3MC includes sub-recipients from the private sector to make broadband readily available to households and businesses that lack adequate service options in the 52 counties that make up the project service area. REACH-3MC is funded by a two grants (Round I and Round II) from the Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), commonly referenced as the Stimulus Package.
About Capital Communications
An ISO 9001:2000 and TL 9000 registered company, Capital Communications, Inc. is an award-winning telecommunications contracting company located in Plymouth, Michigan. For almost 25 years, Capital Communications has maintained a small-company feel – intentionally remaining nimble to allow quick ramp-up times and prompt responses to customer needs. One of the most trusted and respected providers in the industry, Capital Communications is known for our uncompromising work ethic and exceptional customer service.
For more information: www.capcominc.com
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