Citynet Outlines Expansion Plans

Tulsa, Okla.-based Citynet Fiber Network LLC (CFN, Booth 733) says it is executing an aggressive growth plan for 2005, after the company experienced 35 percent overall growth in 2004. CFN anticipates continued high demand for bandwidth in the Tier 2 and 3 markets.

Mike Friloux, COO of CFN, says the 2005 strategy includes opening at least five new markets. Focusing primarily on the under-served Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities has enabled us to grow our customer base and now offers us an opportunity to expand our network into even more of these markets, he explains. CFN is completing construction in Bloomington, Ind., and Youngstown, Ohio. The company says its expansion into Youngstown will give customers access to multiple central offices in the city. It also means CFN will maintain a presence in six of the seven LATAs in Ohio.

Our customers are looking to CFN to provide creative carrier solutions that will help them optimize their existing network, says Tom Payne, director of sales and marketing. Our goal is to have people come to Citynet first when they need bandwidth in West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and Pennsylvania. We have the experience and the problem-solving approach that make us a critical tool in their arsenal.

In February 2004, CFN acquired AFN Communications, a consortium of six telecommunications and utility companies in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states. AFN had an 8,000-mile fiber-optic network spanning 13 states and Washington, D.C.