Intelligent Fiber Network (IFN), a leader among Midwest U.S. commercial fiber network providers, on Dec. 8 announced it is investing $5.7 million in Fort Wayne, Indiana and partnering with the City of Fort Wayne to serve as an integral piece of the city’s core network.
The investment includes new route miles of fiber in support of 5G expansion for a telecommunications provider that will further strengthen IFN’s overall network across Northeast Indiana. IFN will also expand its fiber technology services with a network built for the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Utilities and Allen County to enhance the city’s technological capabilities "amid an impressive season of growth," the provider stated.
“Economic growth today depends upon high-speed connectivity,” commented IFN CEO Jim Turner. “Strengthening our network in Fort Wayne is a real testament to the city’s growth, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” Turner added, “The Fort Wayne area has been a great place for us to enhance our business and our services, and we look forward to continuing to be a prominent technology provider for the city as well as our customers and partners throughout this region.”
In the move toward its fiber network expansion, IFN notes:
The City of Fort Wayne sought a core fiber connection that could span from the metropolitan area to the city’s network data center in Indianapolis. In selecting IFN for this purpose, city officials found a partner whose fiber could cover the distance between the two locations, as well as six additional sites for the Fort Wayne Public Safety division.
With its already prominent presence in both the Fort Wayne and Indianapolis areas, and robust fiber connections between them, IFN was the clear option to provide the necessary fiber services. This includes 10G fiber that will connect the City, Fort Wayne Utilities and Allen County in a dedicated shared network to streamline and speed up communications.
The Allen County Board of Commissioners stated: “With its strong track record of helping businesses and communities across the state of Indiana, we knew IFN would be the optimal partner in advancing our region’s technology even further. We are extremely excited to work with the great people of IFN and cannot wait to get started.”
“This partnership with IFN is another great boost in the momentum our City is continuing to experience,” added John Perlich, Director of Public Information for the City of Fort Wayne.
Fort Wayne is well-connected to IFN’s network through IFN’s robust metro fiber ring that provides transport speeds of 5Mbps up to 100Gbps. This new fiber will expand IFN’s already significant presence in Northeast Indiana by enhancing the company’s fiber footprint, its customers’ network connectivity, and overall speed and redundancy in the area.
To learn more about Intelligent Fiber Network, its services, and its 21 member/owners, visit www.intelligentfiber.com.