VANCOUVER – Forty more kilometres of network will soon be added to the Urban Communications network beneath the streets of Vancouver.
This will increase Urban’s fibre backbone to 165 km., located in high density corridors of metro Vancouver and Victoria. The company provides high speed Internet and voice over IP telephony to businesses and residences in the two cities.
Company division Urban Utility has signed new deals to get into the city’s ductwork, similar to its series of agreements with the city of Vancouver dating back to January, 2002. The current agreement modifies an existing duct licence and permits Urban to install and operate the additional 40 km. of fibre optic network in city-owned telecommunications ducts for a 20 year term, says the company’s press release. "The latest agreement will substantially increase access to residential multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and commercial buildings in Vancouver, which will enhance Urban’s ability to carry out its business plan," it reads.
Urban has also granted an extension to the city’s right to lease a certain number of fibre strands for a corresponding 20 year period for the purposes of connecting city sites within its own private high speed telecommunications network. Urban also maintains the City’s backbone fibre network which connects sites including fire halls, recreation and community centres, libraries, and works yards. Under the latest extension Urban will reach additional city venues, including the new development at South East False Creek.
