PocketiNet Communications Inc., a regional telecommunications service provider, has agreed to acquire new dark fiber capacity from Fatbeam on its newly constructed Yakima Valley Fiber Optic Network.
The sale involves nearly 22 miles of fiber around the city of Yakima and additional capacity is planned in the East Valley, as well as Moxee and Sunnyside.
PocketiNet plans to extend the original network and offer businesses throughout the area fiber-based Internet services up to 1,000 mbps and beyond, as well as high quality VOIP phone service solutions. The services will enhance the opportunity for economic development in the area and offer custom-based solutions for entities that need to connect throughout the state.
Specifics of the deal between PocketiNet and Fatbeam were not released, but company officials said the companies plan to partner on expansion projects in the future.
“There appears to be many synergies of working with Fatbeam moving forward,” said Todd Brandenburg, PocketiNet president. “One of the strengths we’ve enjoyed is interconnecting networks with multiple carriers offering the consumer the best performance and value.”
Since 2011, PocketiNet has been serving Yakima with fixed wireless Internet services and this new acquisition of the local fiber network will allow the company to offer the latest technology of secure, ultra-reliable and cost effective fiber-based solutions. PocketiNet has its own fiber construction crews for servicing existing and new construction infrastructure. The company plans to open a Yakima office with staffing for sales and service in the upcoming months.
The new fiber optic based network will give business customers the tools to compete locally and beyond, said Brandenburg.
“More than ever we find that businesses really want to work with a local caring company that can supply all of their telecommunication needs, including Internet and phone service,” he said. “This advanced fiber optic network will connect any business with the rest of the world, as well as across town or across the state and that’s a powerful thing.”
PocketiNet is a locally-owned and operated broadband Internet service provider that was founded in 2000. It provides service across the Mid-Columbia, from Walla Walla to Yakima, and south to Umatilla, Ore.
Fatbeam is a competitive access provider delivering data transport services to business and enterprise, healthcare, education and governmental customers in the Pacific Northwest.
by Mary Hopkin
Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business
