FRANKLIN, NC - BalsamWest FiberNET announced today the expansion of its next generation high-speed fiber optic network to Georgia and Tennessee. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will provide the tools needed to improve the quality of life of the people of western North Carolina through advances in education, health care, government and business. The carrier-grade network will connect Western North Carolina, North Georgia and Eastern Tennessee to Atlanta, DC, Chattanooga, Knoxville and beyond. This expansion will include connections, which provide access to strategic locations such as Oak Ridge National Labs. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a science and technology laboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy by UT-Battelle, LLC. Their scientists and engineers conduct research in key areas of science to increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

David Hubbs, Drake Enterprises (Franklin, NC) stated, "Progress has been impressive to date, now we are moving forward swiftly to link our neighbors in Georgia and Tennessee. Although we still have many miles to go, bringing open access and 21st Century infrastructure to this Tri-State Appalachian region is an exciting goal and we look forward to finishing this work and making these services available. In addition to the infrastructure that we are installing, each community can now begin to plan and prepare for the full range of opportunities that this fiber optic backbone will bring to the region."

John Short, General Manager of BalsamWest FiberNET (Sylva, NC), “We are excited to announce these plans that have been underway confidentially for several months. We can now make it official that we will be connecting more of our neighbors to our next generation high speed optical network. With the assistance of Southern Pipeline Utility, a local contracting company, we are placing the fiber in conduit underground, reducing the impact on the environment and leaving the esthetics of the area as beautiful as ever.”

Joe Satterfield, General Manager-Blue Ridge Mountain-EMC (Young Harris, Georgia), “Affordable access to the Information Highway is as important to economic development today as highways were 25 years ago. It’s one of the key factors that companies weigh when they are considering moving into a region. The linkage of these traditionally poor Appalachian regions in three states is unprecedented and we are proud to be a part such a wonderful effort.”

The length of the entire network is expected to be over 250 miles with over 120 miles of construction already completed and several partnerships that expand the network even further. BalsamWest has already connected the counties of; Macon, Jackson, Graham, Swain and Cherokee in North Carolina. Soon the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will be connected as well as Clay County, NC.

The construction of the entire BalsamWest fiber optic network is funded through its founding members, Drake Enterprises, Ltd. and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Southwestern Community College, based in Webster, is BalsamWest’s Community Interest Partner.