MP Telecom Introduces DSL Internet Access To Duluth
MP Telecom is working with Vancouver, Washington-based New Edge Networks to begin offering DSL technology within the next few weeks. This offering will be focused on business customers in the downtown Duluth area and will also serve those business customers with the telephone prefix 724 and 728. Customers can choose from among various DSL options and speeds that match their business needs.
DSL is a technology for providing Internet access to businesses over existing copper telephone lines at speeds up to 35 times faster than traditional analog modems. One DSL line allows people to fax, talk on the phone and be on the Internet simultaneously. Because DSL maintains a constant connection, there's no need to log on. Businesses equipped with the high bandwidth of DSL will be able to connect several computers to just one DSL line at an economical price.
"We're proud to be the first provider of Digital Subscriber Line service to the Northland area," said Walt Prahl, President of MP Telecom. "With its surprising speed and flexibility, DSL technology will change the way businesses use the Internet. Downloading and uploading files loaded with graphics, sound and video is easily accomplished with this technology."
"As a national provider of DSL services, New Edge looks for strong local ISP partners," said Mark Smith, Midwest Region general manager for New Edge Networks. "We're excited about working with a high quality company, such as MP Telecom, to bring DSL to Duluth."
MP Telecom provides fiber optic-based, high-speed bandwidth transport and commercial data services to larger communications users. Customers include long distance carriers, telephone companies, wireless providers, Internet service providers, educational and government institutions, medical facilities and larger technology-based businesses.
MP Telecom's fiber optic communications network-already totaling more than 1,000 miles-will soon extend to Minneapolis-St. Paul and other cities in southern Minnesota. MP Telecom is a wholly owned subsidiary of Minnesota Power, a multi-services company with corporate headquarters in Duluth, Minnesota. Minnesota Power holdings include the second largest wholesale automobile auction network in North America; the leading provider of independent auto dealer inventory financing; the largest investor-owned water utilities in Florida and North Carolina; significant real estate holdings in Florida and a low-cost electric utility that serves some of the largest industrial customers in the United States.
New Edge Networks, based in Vancouver, Washington, is the leading national wholesale DSL provider in small, midsize and semi rural markets. The company's Midwest region is based in Minneapolis. Since its founding last June, New Edge Networks has been backed by top-tier private venture firms, financial institutions and technology companies. These include Comdisco Ventures, Goldman Sachs & Co., Intel Corporation, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter and Newbridge Networks.