FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
More than 1,900 small and medium-sized businesses in Monroe, Louisiana soon will enjoy up to 2 gigabits per second of symmetrical internet speed with the launch of Sparklight Business’ new service, Piranha Fiber® – Ferociously Fast Internet.
"Piranha Fiber is the first 2 gigabit fiber optic internet service available to small and medium-sized businesses in Monroe,” said Chris Boone, Vice President of Business Services for Sparklight. “While most national fiber providers offer 1 gigabit service, we’re the first to offer 2 gigabits. This puts Monroe on the map as one of the first 2 gigabit cities in the country.”
The company is focusing on the area along U.S. 165 south from Black Bayou Lake into downtown Monroe for its newest fiber-optic technology, which will offer businesses both internet and telephone services. Plans indicate continual expansion into additional business areas in and around the Monroe area for the foreseeable future.
“Sparklight has invested more than $5.5 million in our Louisiana markets over the past five years on network upgrades and enhancements in order to bring the latest technology and fastest speeds to our customers,” Boone said. “As part of our ongoing investment and with the launch of this new service, we’re extending our plant to previously unserviceable areas.”
The new internet and phone services are delivered over a Passive Optical Network (PON), which combines the most favorable attributes from coax and fiber. Benefits include service delivered over an extremely fast, reliable fiber-based architecture at a price that’s affordable for most small businesses.
Several Piranha Fiber internet plans will be available, allowing businesses to choose the level of service that’s right for them, beginning at 50 megabits per second and easily scaling to 2 gigabits per second. And, because it’s fiber, all speeds will be “symmetrical,” meaning upload speeds will be just as fast as download speeds.
“Piranha Fiber is the most reliable business internet service available today,” Boone said. “Customers can expect maximum uptime with minimal delays for a truly unique online experience.”
For today’s businesses, a fast, reliable internet connection has moved from being a convenience to a critical component of success. Businesses rely on their internet connection to run integral processes and programs, including e-mail, e-commerce, cloud-based applications, video conferencing and more.
“Fast, reliable internet access is a productivity-enhancing factor,” Boone said. “It allows businesses to increase collaboration, send and share larger files more quickly, and take advantage of more cloud-based applications in order to achieve operational efficiencies, greater productivity and growth.”
Additional Services for Large Businesses
Businesses that require even more speed and bandwidth also will soon have access to Sparklight Business’ Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) and Ethernet Private Line (EPL) services, which offer connectivity up to 100 Gbps.
Businesses can visit business.sparklight.com/locations/la/Monroe/piranha-fiber-internet for more details about all Sparklight Business’ services.
About Sparklight Business
Sparklight Business, formerly Cable ONE Business, serves more than 75,000 businesses across a 21-state region, providing superior connectivity solutions at an affordable price and backing those solutions with the highest level of customer service and technical support. Products include high-speed internet, Ethernet, business phone and cable TV for businesses of all sizes. All services are available through both wholesale and retail sales channels.
Additional Background & Information
What is PON Internet and How Does it Work?
5 Key Advantages of PON Internet
6 Ways Fiber is Transforming Rural Communities
Research Consensus: High Speed Internet Empowers Rural Renaissance
