ANN ARBOR – Merit Network has selected Earthcom as Outside Plant Construction vendor for the first phase of Merit’s broadband stimulus project, REACH-3MC.
Earthcom was selected from a number of qualified vendors that responded to a Request for Proposal Merit issued in late August. Earthcom is the first of many construction vendors that will contribute to the completion of REACH-3MC.
The Merit team’s thorough review of all RFPs showed that Earthcom could deliver a solution to meet the specific needs of the first phase of Outside Plant Construction for REACH-3MC.
“Earthcom has an experienced local team headquartered in Lansing, Michigan,” said Pete Miller, Merit’s director of network engineering and operations. “Earthcom is uniquely positioned to assist Merit in successfully deploying the network infrastructure in support of REACH-3MC – particularly the underground portions of the infrastructure.”
The first phase of construction will involve blowing new fiber through 21 miles of existing, buried conduit that REACH-3MC purchased from Manistee Intermediate School District. Additionally, splice enclosures and hand holes will be constructed. Earthcom’s expertise in underground construction will prove to be an asset as construction vendor for this phase of the project.
Earthcom will participate in the first phase of REACH-3MC project construction. Additional contractors will be named to construct network segments in other parts of the state.
“This one small project will add six new employees to our team in addition it has created jobs for material providers, trucking companies, and the local area merchants,” said Peter Bertsch, President and CEO of Earthcom. “It is a great feeling to know we will be a small part of Michigan’s recovery.”
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