FairPoint Communications Completes Network Improvements to Provide Faster Broadband Speeds in More Than 40,000 locations in Washington

CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 14, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FairPoint Communications¹ has installed new equipment across its service territories in Washington, bringing greater broadband speeds to more than 40,000 residences or businesses served by these upgraded facilities. The upgrade means that FairPoint customers have the opportunity to more quickly email photos, download music, stream videos, and surf the Internet.

“High-speed Internet access opens doors to the world for residents and businesses alike and is fundamental to the region’s future economic growth,” said Lisa Hood, Senior Vice President of FairPoint’s Telecom Group Operations. “This is another example of FairPoint’s continued investment in our network which has expanded the availability of high-speed Internet to thousands of locations in a dozen communities in Washington.”

The upgrade projects bring a range of broadband speed options to these communities, and depending on the customer’s distance from the upgraded equipment, some customers can qualify for up to a 50 Mbps download speed and up to a 10 Mbps upload speed.² Building a robust and versatile network across the region is crucial to handling the increasing demands for bandwidth, Hood said. 

Since 2012, FairPoint has invested more than $9 million in its Washington service territories to reach new customers, upgrade its network and expand Internet access.

FairPoint increased speeds in portions of the following towns as well as other surrounding areas:

To find out more details, including broadband service speed eligibility and information about prices and bundled plans, or to schedule a professional installation of services, residential and business consumers can call 1-800-400-5568 or visit www.FairPoint.com.

About FairPoint Communications, Inc. FairPoint Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq:FRP) provides advanced data, voice and video technologies to single and multi-site businesses, public and private institutions, consumers, wireless companies and wholesale re-sellers in 17 states. Leveraging an owned, fiber-based Ethernet network — with more than 21,000 route miles of fiber, including approximately 17,000 route miles of fiber in northern New England — FairPoint has the network coverage, scalable bandwidth and transport capacity to support enhanced applications, including the next generation of mobile and cloud-based communications, such as small cell wireless backhaul technology, voice over IP, data center colocation services, managed services and disaster recovery.  For more information, visit www.FairPoint.com.

¹ Services are provided through operating subsidiaries of FairPoint Communications, Inc.

² Maximum Internet speeds referenced are only available in select areas. Internet speed claims represent maximum network service capability. Actual customer speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Actual speeds vary based on a number of factors including site traffic and congestion, components within your computer such as processor speeds, memory and hardware and software configuration, content provider server capacity, internal network management factors and customer device capabilities.