New York and New Jersey get “business class” optical networks

First Communications selects Nokia Siemens Networks to increase capacity and coverage.

Carrier and enterprise customers of First Communications now enjoy high-speed, lower latency bandwidth services between Newark, NJ, and Buffalo, NY. The integrated telecommunications carrier has chosen Nokia Siemens Networks’ long-haul dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system to efficiently manage its network as capacity demand grows. First Communications also expects to use this platform as it continues to expand its optical transport network. Plans are underway to add high capacity routes to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, Ashburn, VA, and extend into Toronto.

“Service delivery intervals can be just as important as reliability and round trip latency to some of our enterprise customers, particularly financial companies and trading exchanges,” said Rick Poore, president of First Communications’ First Telecom Services division. “This is also a critical service provider requirement from a network management perspective. With Nokia Siemens Networks’ optical platform, we are guaranteed for best-in-class services with the flexibility to quickly provision and add new routes to support our customers’ growing demand for bandwidth.”

“Nokia Siemens Networks’ DWDM portfolio offers one of the lowest latency profiles in the industry, ensuring high-speed data transmission, which is a key need for First Communications’ customers,” said Pathmal Gunawardana, head of optical sales in North America, Nokia Siemens Networks. “Furthermore, our optical platform is easy to plan, design, commission and operate, while offering the lowest total cost of ownership and maximum reach.”

Under the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will provide its hiT 7300 ultra-long haul DWDM platform to expand First Communications’ existing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network to provide 1G to 40G services. The platform is easily upgradeable to 100G as First Communications plans for higher network speeds in the future.

As part of the contract, Nokia Siemens Networks will also supply its all-in-one network management system to optimize the operator’s network operations through centralized control and supervision. The TransNet network planning tool will allow the operator to plan and simulate its entire optical transport network to optimize the rollout. Services such as network implementation and care are also part of the deal.
About First Communications

First Communications is a leading integrated telecommunications carrier based in the Midwestern United States. Founded in 1998, First Communications has built a highly reliable fiber-based infrastructure which it uses to provide small and medium business, enterprise, and carrier customers superior voice, internet, and transport services. First Communications’ mission is to provide secure and reliable next-generation services that support the critical communications needs of its commercial customers. For more information visit First Communications on the Internet: http://www.firstcomm.com