Midcontinent Expands Fiber Net

Midcontinent Communications will implement a multi-million dollar project to extend its multi-state Northern Plains Network (NpNet) fiber-optic backbone from Minot, ND, to Williston, ND. The new fiber route is intended to provide more bandwidth to communities in the oil-producing region of North Dakota. The Bakken Extension, already under construction, will connect Williston with the Northern Plains Network.The network connects directly to major network hubs in Minneapolis; Fargo, ND; and Sioux Falls, SD. The extension from Minot to Williston will have an initial capacity of 100 Gbps, which is expandable to 4 terabits per second (Tbps) as need and usage rise.