GST New Mexico Lightwave Awarded Franchise for Telecommunications Services in Albuquerque

Strategic Insights -

Albuquerque business community has gained access to advanced telecommunications services after nearly a year of negotiations, thanks to GST New Mexico Lightwave, a competitive communications company. The company, a subsidiary of GST Telecom, Inc. of Vancouver, WA, has been awarded a franchise granting it authority to provide voice, data, and video transmission services. This move will bring a $15 million dollar investment to the City of Albuquerque and establish a 64-mile fiber optic network in Uptown, Rio Rancho, and the Albuquerque Sunport, with plans to expand to Las Cruces, Farmington, and Santa Fe.

Key Takeaways:

  • GST New Mexico Lightwave, a subsidiary of GST Telecom, Inc., has been awarded a franchise to provide telecommunications services to the Albuquerque business community.
  • The franchise agreement will allow GST to build and operate an all-digital fiber optic network, providing advanced voice, data, and video transmission services.
  • The network will cover 64 miles, initially serving Uptown, Rio Rancho, and the Albuquerque Sunport, with plans to expand to Las Cruces, Farmington, and Santa Fe.
  • The franchise will bring a $15 million dollar investment to the City of Albuquerque.
  • The agreement was reached after nearly a year of negotiations between GST New Mexico Lightwave and the City of Albuquerque.
  • Earl Kamsky, President of GST Telecom, Inc., expressed excitement at reaching an agreement with the City Council.
  • Steve Maxwell, Vice President and General Manager of GST New Mexico Lightwave, emphasized the company's commitment to becoming an active member of the community and providing choice to information-intensive organizations.
  • GST Telecommunications, Inc. is a leading provider of competitive access and telecommunications networks throughout North America.

Statistics:

  • 64 miles: the initial length of the fiber optic network covering Uptown, Rio Rancho, and the Albuquerque Sunport.
  • $15 million: the investment brought to the City of Albuquerque through the franchise agreement.
  • 12 months: the duration of negotiations between GST New Mexico Lightwave and the City of Albuquerque.
  • 3 states: New Mexico, Las Cruces, Farmington, and Santa Fe, which will be served through network expansion.

Sources:

  • BUSINESS WIRE - July 18, 1995
  • GST Telecommunications, Inc. press release - no publication date