RST Global Communications Announces Aggressive Expansion of High-Speed Services Across North Carolina

07/24/2013

Underground Fiber Network Increases Service Map from 500 to 3,000 Miles in Seven Months

SHELBY, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Despite North Carolina’s reputation as a center of research and higher learning, many businesses and residents struggle with limited or non-existent Internet access. As RST Global Communications, LLC (RST) expands its service footprint statewide, those technology issues could soon be a thing of the past.

The Shelby, N.C.-based fiber-optic provider announced today that its network map has increased from 500 miles to 3,000 miles – encompassing even the most rural of regions in North Carolina. The aggressive growth was made possible through additional network builds and recent mergers and acquisitions. This includes an investment in fiber built by MCNC through the Golden LEAF Rural Broadband Initiative, the recently completed $144 million expansion of the North Carolina Research and Education Network (NCREN).

RST representatives say the network expansion could generate hundreds of thousands of new customers, ensure high-speed service across North Carolina and help position the Tar Heel state as a prime destination for economic development and education.

The consequences of outdated network infrastructure are serious for our state

said Dan Limerick, RST’S CEO

“Businesses – which now consider Internet access to be as basic as electricity and water service – are hesitant to locate anywhere that can’t provide reliable high-speed connectivity. Rural healthcare providers are limited in their ability to offer services that require online consultation or the ability to access an insurer’s online database. We believe that fiber-connected communities are the future – and our world-class network provides an increasingly attractive business environment.”

RST was founded and privately funded by entrepreneurs and industry pros Dan Limerick, Doug Brown and Randy Revels. All natives of North Carolina, the trio has a vested interest in the development of a state-of-the-art local fiber infrastructure which they firmly believe will level the playing field for broadband connectivity for all in the state.

The company delivers a “core out” all-fiber network with speeds up to 10-gigabits per second, more than 100 times faster than the average service offered by other providers. This translates into huge time savings and increased productivity whether downloading an MRI, watching a movie or making an international financial trade. And unlike most other broadband companies – which utilize aerial construction in their network infrastructure – RST’s network is buried underground to ensure maximum security, reliability and weather protection.

RST offers broadband speeds that heretofore were not available in rural North Carolina

said Joe Freddoso, President and CEO of MCNC

“In the next few years, they will single-handedly help close the broadband gap for many of North Carolina’s rural areas.”

RST services enterprise, commercial and residential markets, with clients ranging from data centers, municipalities and healthcare organizations, to schools, businesses and homes. In parts of North Carolina already familiar with RST – such as the Piedmont Region, where booming data center growth includes global technology leaders like Wipro, AT&T, Google, Facebook and Apple – the company’s speed and reliability offers an attractive option.

“RST Fiber is the wave of the future,” said Walt Rumfelt, a customer and medical specialist based in Shelby, N.C. “It is, at its core, fundamentally better than any other service provider on the market. RST Fiber exceeds the demands of technology which has allowed them to stay ahead of the game. My service has been exemplary and allows me greater freedom in my practice as a medical professional.”

About RST Global Communications

Based in Shelby, North Carolina, RST Global Communications, LLC (RST), www.rstfiber.com, is a member-owned company formed in 2009 to construct and manage state-of-the-art all fiber-optic networks in communities within the southeastern U.S. In addition to typical services (TV, Internet and phone), plans include home and business surveillance high definition cameras and security, on-demand movie services and numerous à la carte offerings. The all fiber-optic network will also provide the foundation for Smart Grid technology, telemedicine, online education and other emerging applications. RST believes that fiber connected communities are America’s future. Dedicated to quality, high performance and lower cost through Reliable Scalable Technologies, RST has made the commitment to provide its enterprise, business and residential customers a better choice.