Iris troiano, evp of professional services contributes to wia white paper exploring the impacts of ai on the wireless industry

We’re inundated with new AI tools and applications and the potential seems limitless. Artificial Intelligence is being used in several places in the wireless industry including in business operations of mobile network operators (MNOs), in the RAN, and on the actual mobile device. But there will be much more to come as AI advances and companies and users derive it’s true value and best applications. As it evolves, AI decisions made by the MNOs will impact the entire wireless infrastructure sector.

Iris is an active participant on WIA‘s Innovation & Technology Council whose discussion contributed to this article.

Download and read the entire article below.

NATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES (NTI) TEAMS WITH CITY OF AURORA, IL TO EXPAND FIBER OPTIC NETWORK IN 2024

City leans on longstanding partnership to bring fiber network to more metro infrastructure

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES , April 3, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Aurora (Illinois) City Council this week approved spending more than a million dollars with Downers Grove-based National Technologies (NTI), a Network Connex Company, for projects expanding the city’s fiber optic network. Following an initial project begun in 2022, this move will accelerate fiber expansion to water lift stations and wells. NTI has been Aurora’s fiber provider since 2018, and according to a memo from city staff, the company “has exceeded expectations” during the life of this partnership. The planned 2024 work, which entails running new fiber routes as well as field repair and maintenance of the existing fiber network, is a significant step towards improved communication infrastructure for the city.

NTI President & COO, Lewis Kessler, recognized the strong relationship the Chicago team led by Rick Danca has had with Aurora noting, “this incredible fiber team, along with Project Manager Chad Peterson, has done a tremendous job delivering high quality work for Aurora and the new contract extending our long-term partnership is a testament to their ability to put the customer first.”

The 2024 projects total about $1.36 million in fiber installation and repair work.

Read the full article from Government Technology.

National Technologies (NTI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Network Connex, is known for innovative solutions and service excellence that keep fiber optic and data center infrastructure up and running for the most respected network service providers and data center operators. For 15 years NTI has delivered a full suite of services including: infrastructure design & engineering, fiber placement, splicing, and testing in both ISP and OSP environments, structured cabling, data center fit-out, and DAS systems.

Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. Having served the telecom industry for more than 20 years, they offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to give our customers a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

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Press Contact:

Christine Boomer
Network Connex
+1 888-638-1198
cboomer@networkconnex.com

Employee contributions plus a company match empower recovery for citizens, businesses, and communities

DOWNERS GROVE, IL, UNITED STATES, October 26, 2023– Network Connex, a leader in the design and deployment of digital communications infrastructure, is an organization of more than 1,100 employees with a small team of three (3) located in Hawai’i. When wildfires impacted large portions of Maui leaving communities decimated and citizens without homes, jobs, or basic supplies, employee Robyn Kahalelehua rallied Network Connex leaders to provide help beyond what she could do on her own. Working with the Pacific Islands Region of the American Red Cross the company set up a dedicated donations portal that was shared with all employees. CEO Chris Larocca pledged that Network Connex would match all team member donations to boost the impact of individual contributions.

In the end, employee donations totaling $4,000 were collected. With the corporate match added, local Network Connex team members were thrilled to deliver a check for $8,000 to the American Red Cross Pacific Islands Region office in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Pictured left to right for the check presentation are Anne Sing (Red Cross), Sylvia Moon (Red Cross), Kenneth Huang (Network Connex), Matt Miura (Network Connex), Minette Lew-McCabe (Red Cross). Network Connex employee donations have continued to pour in even after the official donation period ended, amassing an additional $595 for the Red Cross’s Maui relief efforts.

While large disasters like the Maui wildfires often draw national attention, each year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters of all types and sizes across the country, mobilizing a team approximately every eight minutes. Generous contributions enable the Red Cross to provide services to people in need of assistance at no cost and regardless of income.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org.

ABOUT NETWORK CONNEX

Serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex offers a full range of digital infrastructure solutions to provide fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets.  Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

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Network Connex press contact:

Christine Boomer
+1 888-638-1198
cboomer@networkconnex.com

PARTNERING TO CLOSE A GAP IN NATIONAL FIBER INFRASTRUCTURE ROUTES IN THE SOUTHEAST US

DOWNERS GROVE, IL, UNITED STATES, August 25, 2023– Network Connex, a leader in the design and deployment of digital communications infrastructure, has been tapped by Critical Infrastructure Partners (CIP) to provide comprehensive Professional Services including feasibility studies, fiber engineering, and permitting services for the much-anticipated Blue Ridge Run Network.

“We are excited to leverage our professional services expertise as a strategic partner to CIP in support of this much needed project and are full speed ahead.” Greg Spraetz, Chief Revenue Officer, Network Connex

This new, uniquely diverse, low latency route will span 767 miles, connecting Ashburn, Virginia, Nashville, Tennessee, and Huntsville, Alabama and will bring fiber broadband closer to rural communities in the Southeast region. Construction of the route is planned in two phases, with Phase I slated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023. The initial phase will include design and construction of two fiber rings in Ashburn, Virginia connecting to the ~40-mile hyperscale fiber ring currently under construction to unite Frederick, Maryland data centers with the vital data center alley in Ashburn, Virginia. From there, Phase II of the Blue Ridge Run Network will continue southwest toward Bristol, Virginia. In addition to providing planning and design expertise in the early stages, Network Connex will support the project with Construction and crucial Program Management oversight that orchestrates the many moving parts as the network converges.

“We feel we have identified a gap in the national fiber infrastructure routes that, when filled, will provide reduced latency and redundancy to a much-needed route traversing the East Coast through the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition, it will deliver robust capacity and the opportunity to replace existing aging infrastructure,” said Matthew Chapdelaine, Managing Partner, Critical Infrastructure Partners.

ABOUT NETWORK CONNEX

Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. Having served the telecom industry for more than 20 years, they offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to give our customers a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

ABOUT CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE PARTNERS (CIP)

Critical Infrastructure Partners (CIP), invests in strategic telecommunications infrastructure projects with an emphasis on urban, middle and long-haul dark fiber optic routes throughout North America. With over $1BN in digital infrastructure assets under management, CIP’s portfolio includes data center and fiber assets across the United States. CIP specializes in providing build-to-suit solutions for hyperscalers and telecom providers.

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Network Connex press contact:

Christine Boomer
+1 888-638-1198
cboomer@networkconnex.com

NETWORK CONNEX EXHIBITS INDUSTRY-LEADING DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES AT FIBER CONNECT 2023

CHICAGO, IL, AUGUST 17, 2023—Network Connex, a trusted leader in mission-critical digital communications infrastructure services, will be participating in Fiber Connect 2023, hosted by Fiber Broadband Association in Orlando, Florida from August 20 through August 23, 2023. The event gathers the community who drives investment, deployment, and operation of next generation gigabit broadband networks. The spotlight is especially bright on this year’s Fiber Connect event in the wake of BEAD funding awards made to states this summer.

Network Connex teammates are looking forward to connecting with old and new friends across fiber network operators, 5G carriers, government & public sector customers, and fiber/wireless infrastructure providers. The team will be available at Booth #027 to share our knowledge and offer our partnership for turnkey fiber services including OSP/ISP Design & Engineering; Fiber Placement, Splicing, & Testing; and Fiber Construction & Construction Management.

About Network Connex

Serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to give our customers a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

BBC MAGAZINE names NETWORK CONNEX to TOP 100 fiber-to-the-home LIST

CHICAGO, IL, AUGUST 2, 2023 – Network Connex is proud to announce our selection for the 2023 Fiber-To-The-Home Top 100 by Broadband Communities (BBC). For the second year in a row, BBC ranked Network Connex among 100 organizations who are vital to advancing fiber-based broadband in North America through deployment, innovation, or advocacy. In 2021and 2020, Network Connex’s Professional Services division, previously known as Advantage Engineers, was recognized by the publication.

Network Connex was selected for supplying critical services to fiber broadband deployers along with various other enterprises, municipalities, electric coops, construction companies, independent telcos, and nonprofit research organizations.

ABOUT BROADBAND COMMUNITIES

Broadband Communities (BBC) is the leading source of information on digital and broadband technologies for buildings and communities. Their editorial aims to accelerate the deployment of Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-To-The-Premises (FTTP) while keeping readers up to date on the available solutions capable of serving their practical needs.

ABOUT NETWORK CONNEX

Serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to give our customers a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

NETWORK CONNEX RANKS #14 ON ENR’S LIST

CHICAGO, IL, May 15, 2023 – Network Connex is proud to announce our prominent placement by Engineering News-Record. ENR ranked Network Connex as the #14 design firm within the Telecom sector. Network Connex continues to place in the top engineering firms since 2016 when our Professional Services division (previously known as Advantage Engineers) first appeared in the rankings.

Engineering News-Record is widely considered the design industry benchmark and annually ranks the 500 largest, US-based, public and privately held design firms based on design-specific revenue. Network Connex ranked #263 within the Top 500 Design Firms in all industries in 2023.

ABOUT ENGINEERING NEWS-RECORD

Engineering News-Record (ENR) reports on the top design firms—both architects and engineers—and the top construction companies and projects in the United States, as well as projects around the world. Every year, they release their Top 500 Engineering Firms and Top 20 Telecom list.

ABOUT NETWORK CONNEX

Serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to give our customers a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

Network Connex Showcases Industry-Leading Digital Communications Infrastructure Services at Connect (X) and Data Center World

CHICAGO, IL, May 8, 2023 — Network Connex, a trusted leader in mission-critical digital communications infrastructure services, is pleased to announce it will be participating in two industry conferences: Connect (X) in New Orleans and Data Center World in Austin, TX. Connex (X) will explore next-generation technologies and the future of connectivity. Data Center World is the leading digital infrastructure event designed for data center professionals, technology business leaders, and innovators that are shaping the future of the digital industry. Both conferences provide opportunities for Network Connex to share its knowledge and breadth of industry expertise.

From May 8-10, Network Connex will be exhibiting at Connect (X) in booth 302, as well as participating in the program as speakers. On May 9, Doug Wittrock, Executive Vice President – South Region, is one of the speakers of the session: Planning for Supply Chain Constraints, which will focus on what enterprises can do to try to eliminate supply chain issues and prevent construction delays. Also on May 9, Greg Spraetz, Chief Revenue Officer, will be addressing Network Innovations-Fiber and CBRS/Private Cellular for Broadband and IoT as part of the Connected Cities Tour. In addition, Amanda Cahill, Sr. Director, Business Development, will be moderating Workforce Engagement in the Era of Generation Z and Beyond on May 9. She will also be speaking on a panel: Building a Diverse Workforce on May 10.

From May 9-11, National Technologies (NTI), a Network Connex Company, will be exhibiting at Data Center World in booth 541. Data Center World is the longest-running data center conference and expo, perfectly blending decades of experience with insight into today’s and tomorrow’s strategic issues. National Technologies (NTI) provides mission critical, end-to-end design and deployment services tailored to boost the performance and efficiency for Fiber Network Service Providers, Cable MSOs, Data Centers, and Wireless infrastructures.

About Network Connex

Network Connex brought together the expertise of Advantage Engineers, CCSI Networks, Fairhaven Integration Services, VERTICOM, and National Technologies (NTI) to leverage regional strengths, operational synergies, and expand our footprint to provide best-in-class, self-performing digital communications infrastructure services.

Our unique combination of industry-leading firms creates the most robust portfolio of end-to-end services for rapid, high-quality solution design, deployment, and implementation – providing our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving dynamic markets.

Connect with us at www.networkconnex.com.

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Apr. 25, 2023, Chicago, IL — Network Connex, a leader in mission-critical digital communications infrastructure services, today announced that it has broadened its network communication service offerings into the Pacific Northwest. The company has expanded operations by adding new locations in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington and  plans to hire more than 80 new employees. Through this move, Network Connex is positioned to provide engineering expertise and aerial/underground fiber optic installation services throughout the Pacific Northwest.

“In the information age, the demand for faster and more dependable data transmission requires ever increasing bandwidth. As our customers’ needs and footprints evolve, we are continually deepening our capabilities and extending our reach with the most reliable and scalable end-to-end solutions,” said Network Connex President and CEO Christopher Larocca. “We look forward to the opportunity to serve the Pacific Northwest with our broad range of turnkey capabilities through our expanded fiber operations.”

Network Connex, along with its subsidiary National Technologies (NTI), is a leader in fiber optic installation, repair, and replacement and this expansion continues to deliver on its strategic plans to grow the company’s presence to provide best-in-class digital communications infrastructure services throughout the U.S. With expertise in every phase of digital infrastructure construction from engineering to fiber backbone installation, Network Connex’s outside plant (OSP) services will benefit network operators and end users across the region including those involved with federal Fiber to the Home (FTTH) initiatives. Network Connex has been a portfolio company of a fund managed by ORIX Capital Partners since June 2018.

About Network Connex

Serving the telecom industry for more than 20 years, Network Connex accelerates the performance of fiber and wireless network service providers, data center operators, hyperscale cloud companies, cable MSOs, utilities, government entities, and Fortune 500 enterprises. We offer a full range of turnkey capabilities through seasoned professionals in all ranks to provide our customers with a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Our services include state-of-the-art design and engineering; wireless and fiber construction; fiber placement, testing, and acceptance; construction management; and integration.

Media Contact
Remy Marin
rmarin@prosek.com
646-818-9298

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