North Carolina Next Generation Network picks AT&T

If you consider it a contest, then AT&T beat Google to the punch in North Carolina. The North Carolina Next Generation Network (NCNGN) is recommending that its members enter into master network development agreements with AT&T to provide its fiber-based U-verse with GigaPower. Two months ago, Google announced that it was considering cities in the Triangle region to continue its Google Fiber service, but it this case, AT&T’s package appealed more to the coordinating body..

NCNGN is “… a regional initiative focused on stimulating the deployment of next generation broadband networks in North Carolina.” The group consists of “ six municipalities and four leading research universities and supported by local Chambers of Commerce and businesses in the Research Triangle and Piedmont regions.” And, it includes GigU., a coalition of more than 30 U. S. research universities.

AT&T is proposing to wire parts of  Carrboro, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Raleigh and Winston-Salem, “where there is demand for ultra-fast broadband and local policies that support broadband network investment.”

According to media reports, NCNGN negotiated with eight providers before settling on AT&T. However, according to NCNGN, “The proposed agreements with AT&T are not exclusive and will not preclude discussions that any NCNGN communities have with other vendors.”

NCNGN recommends cities & towns consider AT&T proposal (North Carolina Next Generation Network, Apr. 10, 2014)

AT&T Eyes ‘GigaPower’ Expansion (Multichannel News, Apr. 10, 2014)

AT&T poised to take gigabit fiber broadband to North Carolina (CNET, Apr. 10, 2014)