Construction of a new cross-border fiber optic connection links US and Canadian networks together creating an Internet superhighway between Maine and New Brunswick.

HOULTON, ME. (July 22, 2010) – Pioneer Broadband is pleased to announce the construction of a new fiber optic connection from Pioneer’s datacenter in Houlton, ME to the Bell-Aliant offices in Woodstock, New Brunswick.   The new connection will provide increased capacity for Pioneer’s Internet traffic and will also create a new superhighway path for other businesses in the state of Maine. 

Tim McAfee, Chief Technology Officer for Pioneer explains that “in Maine most of the Internet traffic flows in and out of the telecommunications centers in the greater Portland area.     Maine has always been an “Internet cul-de-sac” and when problems have occurred north of Portland; the whole State of Maine telecommunications has suffered.  

Businesses and schools have an increased need for high-availability Internet service.  Businesses that want to locate in Maine desire to have Internet diversity in case the connection fails in one direction, service will continue from an alternate source.    With the construction of a northbound Internet path, businesses that need a more robust network can stay in Maine… or build new in Maine.  Maine’s potential for datacenter growth is greatly increased. 

Pioneer is proud to collaborate with Bell-Aliant to provide this new north-south pipeline.”  For years Pioneer's motto has been, “Crossing the Digital Divide.”   This new fiber optic connection is one more major “crossing” in the overall network improvement for Pioneer.  It has potential for many other businesses, healthcare and educational facilities and in Maine to be better served. 

Pioneer will be offering lit services for Maine businesses that  require more diverse Internet connectivity.

Construction of the new connection should be complete by September 30, 2010.