DES MOINES, IA — (February 19, 2015) – While recent announcements from President Obama and Iowa Governor Branstad have garnered attention to the importance of broadband expansion, Iowa Network Services (INS) has pioneered efforts to provide communication services to Iowa communities to promote the growth of Iowa businesses and local economies for over 25 years. INS and the Iowa’s Independent Telecommunications Companies have also invested millions of dollars in expanding, maintaining and upgrading the INS Fiber Optic Network across the state.
In 2014, INS expanded its network to the Pella, Fort Dodge and Grinnell communities as part of a five-year, $25-million dollar broadband expansion. INS owns more than 3,000 miles of carrier-grade, fiber optic network connecting to multiple points-of-presence throughout the state, and continues to expand the network with projects scheduled for West Des Moines, Grimes and northeast Des Moines in 2015.
“Our companies depend on a reliable, high-speed network to connect themselves and their employees to the world,” said Karen Eischen, Executive Director of the Pella Chamber of Commerce. “The INS Fiber Optic Network offers the speed and reliability necessary for these companies to compete globally from their headquarters in Pella.”
INS has also completed expansion projects in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Waterloo, Ames, Grinnell, Osceola and Fort Dodge. The company has also worked with city leaders to expand in the Des Moines Metro area, including West Des Moines (Historic Valley Junction and Jordan Creek areas), Johnston, Waukee, Grimes, northeast Des Moines and Ankeny.
“A fast, reliable and scalable fiber optic network can be a dynamic force for a community, particularly an underserved community like those we’ve served for more than 25 years,” says Michael Eggley, INS Chief Operating Officer. “Our fiber optic network not only helps existing businesses compete and thrive, but can attract new businesses to a community as well, thereby creating jobs.
“While many larger, multinational companies are just starting to offer gigabit fiber networks, INS has been doing it for years now,” continues INS’s Eggley. “Together with Iowa’s Independent Telecommunications Companies, the infrastructure we’ve created will continue to help businesses remain relevant, important and vital, spurring economic revitalization in communities across Iowa.”
