AXIA Networks

The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) signed an agreement with Axia NGNetworks USA, to serve as the network operator for the MassBroadband 123 fiber-optic network. Under the agreement, Axia will manage and maintain the more than 1,300 mile, $71.6 million Internet backbone network that the MBI is developing to expand broadband services in communities throughout western and north central Massachusetts.

Axia, which has broadband networks in Canada, France, Singapore and Spain, was selected through an open, rigorous and highly-competitive process. As operator of the MassBroadband 123 network, Axia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Axia NetMedia Corporation (Axia), an international broadband Next Generation Network (NGN) company, will offer wholesale services to broadband service providers using its proven, open access, “do not compete with your customer” approach. This fundamental digital economy infrastructure will spur investment by broadband service providers and generate economic growth in the region. Axia will invest in the ongoing operations of MassBroadband 123 and provide fiber extensions to the network in response to market demand.

Axia has extensive experience delivering broadband solutions to rural areas, including the Alberta SuperNet, a 9,320 mile next generation network which provides high-speed Internet services to 429 communities in Alberta, Canada. The high-capacity open access fiber network enables service providers to deliver high-speed web services, including Internet, voice and video to consumers, businesses and community anchor institutions. Before SuperNet, there were only a handful of last-mile broadband providers in the region and now, after five years, there are almost 80 providers servicing the area.