For Immediate Release
PHILADELPHIA, PA (02/08/2023). Tilson and Tilson Infrastructure, backed by SDC Capital Partners in partnership with Plenary Americas — a joint venture known as Plenary Broadband Infrastructure (PBI) — will maintain, operate and commercialize network infrastructure along the newly awarded 276-mile western route of the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Harrisburg to the Ohio border.
The western route extension will connect to the previously awarded 220-mile eastern route of the Turnpike bringing continuous network coverage spanning the state. Municipalities, educational institutions, internet and telecom providers, carriers and cable operators will benefit from the expanded service and enhanced network.
In October 2021, Tilson and PBI were selected to operate, maintain, and commercialize the communications network along the eastern route of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Phase 1 from Harrisburg east to the Delaware River is nearing completion and will activate in spring 2023. Phase 2 on the Turnpike’s Northeast Extension (I-476) to Scranton will activate later this year. Simultaneous design/build contracts will enable the western network to be completed in late 2025.
“This middle-mile network along the Turnpike will modernize communications in Pennsylvania,” said Alda Licis, who leads Tilson Infrastructure. “It will provide a major artery for high-speed broadband access that benefits underserved communities, rural internet providers, regional and national carriers.”
PBI is offering dark fiber capacity along the route along with lit 1/10/100G wavelengths, connecting Plymouth Meeting to the key data center in Philadelphia at 401 N. Broad. The entire network will have multiple conduits capable of carrying 288 count fiber each, accessible every 2,500 feet via junction boxes and supported by ILA amplification huts every 50-60 miles.
In parallel with the effort in Pennsylvania, Tilson will also be activating its first network segments in North Carolina in 2024. The entire I-95 span from Virginia to South Carolina will have high-count fiber available for the first time on the most direct end-to-end route in the state. Two more unique routes to the coast will quickly follow, and then be linked to another new regional path on US-74 protected ROW through Charlotte and on to Asheville, NC.
Businesses interested in dark fiber may contact John Gary at jgary@tilsontech.com or visit www.tilsoninfrastructure.com.
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About Tilson:
Tilson is on a mission to build America’s information infrastructure. Recognized twelve consecutive years on the Inc. 5000, Tilson provides network deployment and information system professional services to telecom, construction, utility and government clients. As a leading network design, build, and operating firm, Tilson builds high-performing technology project teams who take on the largest and most impactful information infrastructure projects in the country.
About Tilson Infrastructure:
Tilson Infrastructure is Tilson’s national CLEC in all 50 states focused on commercializing, operating, and maintaining middle-mile networks that offer routes which cannot be secured anywhere else on protected Department of Transportation (DOT) Rights of Way.
About Plenary Americas:
Plenary Americas is an independent long-term investor, developer and manager of public and private infrastructure, specializing in public-private partnerships, local development and asset management. With a portfolio of more than $21 billion across the United States and Canada, we bring infrastructure to life. Visit us at www.plenaryamericas.com.
For more information:
Tilson:
Kat Devillier, Director, Brand Marketing
media@tilsontech.com
Tilson Infrastructure:
John Gary, Carrier Sales Director
jgary@tilsontech.com
Plenary Americas:
Stephanie Williamson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
stephanie.williamson@plenarygroup.com