For Immediate Release
June 19, 2007
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Town Advanced Broadband Network in Raleigh and Fayette Counties, West Virginia
Vienna, Va. - iTown
Communications announced today that the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Utilities Service Broadband Loan Program approved a loan of $37.9 million covering
the capital costs of a fiber optic network in Raleigh and Fayette Counties, West Virginia. The Beckley Service Area Local Community Public-Use
NetworkSM (LCPNSM) is the first of more than a dozen ultra-high capacity networks in iTown's
planned West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project.
The LCPN will initially serve over 60% of the residents and nearly 80% of the businesses in the two counties. It is a 21st Century infrastructure designed
for use by multiple providers of Internet, data, voice and video services.
"This is a major step in our efforts to bring advanced broadband to West Virginia," Keith Montgomery, CEO of iTown
said. "Our Project has been in development for several years. There are still additional milestones to reach before we begin building the network, but the
Beckley Area LCPN will serve economic and community development as well as entertainment needs of the sixteen communities in the service area for decades to
come."
iTown's LCPN has virtually unlimited transmission capacity.
It can provide all the bandwidth needed for all current and future services used by consumers and businesses. Its open network architecture encourages
competition for communications services that brings more choice, lower prices, and higher quality services to the region.
About iTown Communications Inc. iTown Communications Inc.
is headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. iTown was
established to specifically address the emerging communications infrastructure issues faced by communities with
populations of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown's Enterprise Model and
its patent pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an economic solution for
advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to America's smaller communities. The company's Web site is www.itowncom.net.
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For Immediate Release
October 10, 2006
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Town's West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project
Charleston, W.Va. - iTown
Communications, Inc. announced today that it is seeking financing for an advanced broadband network for the Bluefield-Mercer County area of West Virginia as part of its West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project.
iTown's further efforts result from the decision by the City of Bluefield to proceed as the Project's Local Sponsor after being briefed on the results of a feasibility study analyzing the Bluefield area network.
The study, prepared by a team of consultants from the Black and Veatch Corporation, Yankee Group and Utility Financial Solutions, showed that the project is both technically and financially feasible.
Keith Montgomery, the President and CEO of iTown said, "Now that public-private partnership with the City of Bluefield is reconfirmed, we have what we need to begin working with investors to obtain financing to complete detailed engineering, network deployment, and service launch. The Local Community Public-Use Networksm planned for the Bluefield Service Area will encourage competition for Internet, video and voice services and provide the community with a 21st century infrastructure it can leverage for years to come to meet its economic and community development goals."
The Bluefield feasibility study is the third advance broadband network evaluation completed as part of iTown's West Virginia First Project. Studies of the Beckley and Wood County service areas also show positive results and are in financing phase of iTown's process for bringing advanced broadband capabilities to West Virginia.
About iTown Communications Inc. iTown Communications Inc.
is headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. iTown was
established to specifically address the emerging communications infrastructure issues faced by communities with
populations of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown's Enterprise Model and
its patent pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an economic solution for
advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to America's smaller communities.
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For Immediate Release
February 2, 2006
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Town's West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project
Charleston, W.Va. - iTown
Communications announced today that it will initiate the independent evaluation of an advanced broadband network for the
Bluefield-Mercer County area of West Virginia. iTown's action follows a recent decision by the City of Bluefield to
become the Local Sponsor of iTown's West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project for the Bluefield/Mercer County
service area. The consultant team of Black and Veatch Corporation, the Yankee Group and Utility Financial Solutions
will conduct a feasibility study of a Local Community Public-Use Networksm to be used in the process of qualifying
for financing to build the network.
Bluefield is the third community to participate in West Virginia First. Raleigh and Fayette Counties along with the City
of Beckley are Local Sponsors for the Project in the Beckley service area. The Cities of Parkersburg and Vienna along
with Wood County are the Local Sponsors in Wood County area.
"A Local Community Public-Use Network is an ultra-high capacity network purposely designed with open architecture for use
by multiple service providers to encourage competition in Internet, voice and video services," said Keith Montgomery,
CEO and President of iTown. "With an initial capacity 100 Megabits to each connected home or business and the ability
to easily increase that capacity, it is the communications infrastructure needed attract new economy jobs, grow existing
businesses and deliver improved public safety, healthcare and educational services in the years ahead."
About iTown Communications Inc. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia.
iTown was established to specifically address the emerging communications infrastructure
issues faced by communities with populations of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown's Enterprise Model
and its patent pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an
economic solution for advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to America's
smaller communities. The company's Web site is www.itowncom.net.
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For Immediate Release
October 12, 2005
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Charleston, W.Va. - i Town
Communications today announced the launch of an independent review of its plan for an
ultra-high capacity broadband network in Wood County. The review and analysis
will be conducted over the next several months by a team of consultants including
Black & Veatch Corporation, the Yankee Group and Utility Financial Solutions.
“The independent assessment is needed by financial institutions to complete
their due diligence process when financing the construction phase of the project,”
said Keith Montgomery,
iTown’s CEO.
“Our consultant team is internationally recognized. Those involved in
financing this project will rely heavily on the team’s analysis and opinions.”
iTown is
working collaboratively with Wood County, Parkersburg and Vienna to design,
construct and operate a Local Community Public-use Network (LCPNsm).
An LCPN uses fiber-to-the-premise and complementary wireless technologies to
connect, homes, businesses, schools and hospitals and government offices across the
county. The network also is specifically designed as an open access network for use
by multiple providers of Internet, data, voice and video services, providing a true
level playing field for service competition.
Wood County’s LCPN will save consumers and businesses money, provide them with
more service choices, and improve the quality of service they receive. It also
will provide the infrastructure needed to compete effectively for new economy jobs
and support advanced applications in e-education, e-health and e-government.
West Virginia First is a state-wide project also serving Raleigh County, the City
of Beckley and Fayette County. A separate independent assessment of an LCPN in that
community is nearing completion.
iTown
is working with communities across the state to expand the project.
iTown
Communications, Inc. is headquartered in Vienna, Virginia.
iTown was
established to specifically address the emerging communications
infrastructure issues faced by communities with populations of 5,000 to 125,000.
iTown’s Enterprise Model and its patent
pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an economic
solution for advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to
America’s smaller communities.
iTown’s Web site
is www.iTowncom.net.
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For Immediate Release
August 11, 2005
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Charleston, W.Va - i Town
Communications announced tonight that Vienna, West Virginia voted to participate in its West Virginia First Advanced Broadband
Project. In a 5-1 vote, the Vienna City Council agreed to move forward with the Project.
Vienna joins Parkersburg and Wood County in forming the second cluster of communities in West Virginia First.
Last month iTown announced
the target service area including Beckley, Raleigh County and Fayette County
is already in the feasibility study stage of the Project.
Keith Montgomery, CEO and President of iTown
who grew up in Vienna and whose father still lives there said,
"I'm excited to bring the advantages of ultra-high capacity broadband to my home town. West Virginia
First is gaining momentum. Local leaders across the state understand the importance of advanced broadband
infrastructure to West Virginia's economic future, and know they need to take an active role to ensure their
communities benefit from the broadband revolution."
About iTown Communications Inc. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia.
iTown was established to specifically address the emerging communications infrastructure
issues faced by communities with populations of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown's Enterprise Model
and its patent pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an
economic solution for advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to America's
smaller communities. The company's Web site is www.itowncom.net.
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For Immediate Release
July 27, 2005
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Town 's West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project
City of Beckley, Raleigh County and Fayette County First To Be Studied
Charleston, W.Va - i Town
Communications, an advanced broadband communications company focused on America's smaller communities, announced it
has engaged the global engineering, consulting and construction company, Black & Veatch Corporation, and the
international telecommunications market research and industry analysis company, The Yankee Group. The two
internationally known companies will serve as independent consultants for the network feasibility studies on
all communities participating in iTown's West Virginia First Advanced Broadband Project.
iTown's Local Community Public-Use Networksm (LCPNsm) will provide ultra-high capacity broadband capabilities
for cities, towns and counties across West Virginia. An LCPN serves homes, businesses, government agencies,
and educational and other institutions. Any company providing Internet, video, telephone, or data services
can use the network to serve their customers.
The first study is for an LCPN serving the City of Beckley, Raleigh County and Fayette County.
Results are expected before the end of the summer.
"We are extremely pleased to have Black & Veatch and The Yankee Group evaluating iTown's approach. Their
expertise and integrity are highly regarded worldwide," said Keith Montgomery, iTown's CEO and
President.
The consultant team completes a detailed engineering review, conducts market surveys and other research.
The team evaluates the expected financial performance of iTown's LCPN for each participating community
and documents its own conclusions about the viability of each LCPN in iTown's West Virginia First Project.
Financial institutions will use the team's report in their processes for qualifying each LCPN for financing.
Marty Travers, Telecommunications Division President for Black & Veatch said, "iTown has an innovative
approach to bringing to smaller communities the advanced broadband capabilities now being deployed in major
metropolitan areas. It has the potential to propel broadband deployment in smaller markets at a rapid pace."
Berge Ayvazian, The Yankee Group's Executive Vice President for Research and Consulting said,
"It is significant that iTown has chosen to pursue deploying LCPNs first in West Virginia.
The Yankee Group is researching and monitoring the major impacts advanced broadband is having
around the world. iTown's Project can have a major impact on West Virginia's future.
We are eager to conduct research on West Virginia's markets and evaluate the market potential
for LCPNs."
About iTown Communications Inc. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia.
iTown was established to specifically address the emerging communications infrastructure
issues faced by communities with populations of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown's Enterprise Model
and its patent pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband networks provide an
economic solution for advanced broadband infrastructure and communications services to America's
smaller communities. The company's Web site is www.itowncom.net.
About Black & Veatch Black & Veatch Corporation is a leading global engineering, consulting
and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in the fields of energy,
water and information. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch serves its clients with conceptual
and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial
management, asset management, information technology, environmental, security design and consulting,
and management consulting services. The employee-owned company has more than 90 offices worldwide.
Black & Veatch is ranked on the Forbes "500 Largest Private Companies in the U.S." listing for 2004.
The company's Web site address is www.bv.com.
About The Yankee Group Yankee Group is an international telecommunications, media
and technology research and consulting firm headquartered in Boston, with staff and
clients distributed around the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East,
Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Yankee Group's world renowned analysts transform
market intelligence and practical, real-world experience into valuable decision support.
Now in its fourth decade, Yankee Group has built a worldwide reputation for its accurate,
reliable, and trusted research of key technology issues in the areas of broadband,
wireless, convergence, content, IT/business applications and enterprise networking.
Yankee Group's time-tested, results-driven interactive research methodology helps
clients make winning decisions when business opportunities intersect with technology
solutions. The company's Web site address is www.yankeegroup.com.
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For Immediate Release
July 18, 2005
Contact: Sandy Fain (301) 785 0906
Town Communications Launches “West Virginia First” Advanced Broadband Project
Charleston, W.Va--July 18, 2005--iTown
Communications, Inc. today announced the initiation of West
Virginia First, an advanced broadband project for communities
across West Virginia. The project will provide West Virginia
with a competitive advantage in the broadband revolution by
establishing the ultra-high capacity communications
infrastructure needed in the new economy. It will serve
as a foundation for job growth and the delivery of advanced
applications transforming business, education, healthcare,
government services and personal entertainment.
The initial phase of West Virginia First focuses on the
Beckley-Bluefield and Wood County areas of the State.
Through the West Virginia First Project, a fiber optic Local
Community Public-Use Networksm (LCPNsm) will directly connect
to homes, businesses, schools, government offices and other
institutions in participating communities. The LCPN is purposely
designed as an open network so many different retail service
providers can connect to deliver video, Internet, telephone,
security, and other services bringing competition and choice
to consumers.
West Virginia First involves a public-private partnership among
iTown, the West Virginia Development Office and participating
local communities. iTown
provides the technical expertise as
the project’s overall manager, planning, building and operating
the LCPN. Local communities benefit by obtaining an advanced
broadband infrastructure that encourages lower prices and a
broader range of service offerings. The advanced capabilities
of an LCPN allow communities to compete effectively for new
economy jobs, and it keeps in the community a larger portion
of dollars spent by residences and businesses on communications
services further strengthening the local economy.
iTown’s President and CEO, Keith Montgomery, who grew up in
West Virginia, said iTown
Communications is uniquely focused on America’s small communities.
“Broadband is to a 21st century community what electricity,
water and paved roads were to a community at the start of 20th
century. It is an essential infrastructure,” said Montgomery.
“Communications and information are a great equalizer.
With technologies available today, there is no reason for
only urban America to receive the advantages of advanced
broadband. The West Virginia First Project is a model that
can be adapted beyond the borders of West Virginia.”
About iTown Communications Inc.
Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia. iTown was established
to specifically address the emerging communications
infrastructure issues faced by communities with populations
of 5,000 to 125,000. iTown’s
Enterprise Model and its patent
pending network design for ultra-high capacity broadband
networks provide an economic solution for advanced broadband
infrastructure and communications services to America’s
smaller communities. www.itowncom.net
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