Istallation is underway for OpenCape.

OpenCape and CapeNet announced yesterday the installation of the 350 mile OpenCape fiber optic network began.

According to Dan Gallagher, CEO of OpenCape, “The new network will bring with it the latest capabilities and will serve our region’s communication needs for decades to come.”

“Installation of fiber optic cable began in Brockton, Massachusetts today and will very soon also begin on Cape Cod and along the South Coast,” said Alan Davis, CEO of CapeNet, the company managing the build.

CapeNet and its sub-contractors, ElecComm Corporation (ElecComm) and Hawkeye, will be installing the fiber optic cable throughout the region as part of the overall OpenCape project to build a modern telecommunications infrastructure throughout the southeast Massachusetts.

Describing the use of two sub-contractors, Alan Davis said, “After careful and competitive review, we selected two highly qualified firms with vast experience building fiber networks in Massachusetts. Having two contractors working in tandem will expedite construction and facilitate timely completion of the much-anticipated broadband project.”The new network will support the economic, educational, public safety and governmental needs of the southeast Massachusetts region. It is expected to benefit businesses, research and medical facilities, schools, libraries, government offices and public safety.

Steve Martin, President of ElecComm said, “We are delighted to begin construction. CapeNet is a first-class operation with a mission to bring best-in-class services to the region. We are excited to have been selected as part of the construction team.”

According to Robert Frenna, Vice President of Hawkeye, “CapeNet has put together a great team to build a network that will extend Massachusetts’ fiber-optic network into areas that are under-served. We are pleased to have been selected as a member of the CapeNet construction team and look forward to working with them.”

The installation of the fiber optics represents the latest milestone achievement for the OpenCape project. Stateside Construction was selected by OpenCape and began construction in December, 2011 of a regional collocation data center at the Barnstable County government complex and underground conduit construction began in November, 2011.

The OpenCape network will be connected to the OpenCape regional collocation computing data center in the Barnstable County government complex. The network and the collocation center combine to create a very powerful resource for economic development and the delivery of essential public services.

OpenCape has been making steady progress in achieving milestones required to build its comprehensive telecommunications system since being awarded a $32 million federal grant in February of 2010. Art Gaylord, Chair of the OpenCape Board said, “the steady pace of achieving necessary goals, such as obtaining environmental approvals, contracting for survey and engineering services, and obtaining licenses from telephone pole owners is reflective of a lot of hard work and indicates OpenCape is on target to complete this project by the beginning of 2013.”

Information from a press release.