ERIEBANK Financing Accelerates Phase-Two Expansion
VNET Fiber, Erie’s only locally-owned and operated internet service provider, has announced the completion of Phase-One of its fiber-to-the-home buildout. VNET Fiber is now available to more than 16,000 homes throughout Erie County.
The completion of Phase-One paves the way for an accelerated Phase-Two fiber-to-the-home expansion. Phase-Two, which is already in progress, will provide an additional 16,000 households with access to VNET’s fiber-optic network. VNET Fiber remains the only locally owned, end-to-end fiber-optic network in Northwest Pennsylvania.
Fiber expansions are planned across the region with initial Phase-Two construction planned in West Millcreek, Southeast Erie, West Erie, and Harborcreek.
“Over the past 10 years, VNET has proudly invested millions of local dollars into a fiber-optic network that bridges the gap between the Erie community and global innovation, offering the same ultra-fast, reliable connection that powers the heart of Silicon Valley,” said VNET President Joel Deuterman.
“We have been pushing to invest in Erie’s fiber future on our own, and now we are proud to be working alongside our local partners, like ERIEBANK, to provide more – local – access quicker than ever,” said Deuterman, “forming these meaningful partnerships not only shows a significant vote of confidence by Erieites but will also allow us to achieve our goal of reaching every urban, suburban, and rural home as fast as possible.
“For many areas, the buildout is complete and it’s time to connect,” said Brad Wiertel, VNET chief operating officer. “Register on the VNET website to see if your home is in a current VNET Fiberhood or in the Phase-Two expansion, as well as updates on when you can expect us.”
The accelerated Phase-Two VNET Fiber-to-the-home expansion is financed by ERIEBANK.
“We chose to finance the VNET Fiber Erie expansion because VNET chose to invest in Erie over the past two decades,” said Alison Samuels, vice president, Commercial Banking, ERIEBANK. “VNET has been building mile-by-mile on behalf of Erie residents and still provides the fastest, most reliable internet service in the region. We are proud to partner with locally owned businesses with a keen eye on Erie’s future.”
VNET is enhancing its residential fiber service by offering Erie residents SmartHome™, SmartTown ® and SmartBiz ™ technology from CALIX. These are all innovative ways to connect a community at all levels.
“VNET Fiber is delivering the secure connectivity experiences that residents and businesses need to compete in the digital age,” said Ken Grelck, Calix Senior Vice President of North American Sales.
VNET Fiber provides unmatched benefits, including:
- Symmetrical speeds up to 2Gbps x 2Gbps provide all the bandwidth you need to safely and dependably work, play, and connect with friends and family – without limits.
- Options to bundle Streaming TV and affordable home phone service.
- Local service and support.
- SmartHome™, which provides a mobile application, Wi-Fi 6 systems, network security, and advanced content controls to meet every residential subscriber need.
- SmartTown®, a secure, community Wi-Fi solution that allows subscribers and citizens to seamlessly connect as they roam, providing ubiquitous access – in parks, markets, outdoor events, and more.
- SmartBiz™, which deliver security and productivity tools that small businesses need to thrive, fostering economic development.
To learn more about VNET Fiber and check for service availability in your area, visit vnetfiber.com or call 814-636-1500. Stay updated about VNET’s expansion on their social media @vnetfiber.
