tw telecom Manhattan to participate in ConnectNYC

In an effort to expand high-speed broadband connectivity throughout the city and the outer boroughs, ConnectNYC is awarding small and medium-sized businesses and organizations with a free build-out of fiber connectivity directly to their place of business. Participating companies are required to have an office location in N.Y.C, have fewer than 500 employees, and explain the anticipated impact of fiber on their business. "We understand the difficulties that businesses face in obtaining quality broadband infrastructure in N.Y.C.," said Robert Bianco, VP and general manager of tw telecom Manhattan. "We are excited for ConnectNYC and have committed our participation in the second round of this program to ensure that NYC businesses get the support and infrastructure they need to successfully run their companies." "Businesses that currently have access to only one fiber provider can benefit from the competition as well," said Michael Raspanti, account executive for tw telecom Manhattan. "Bringing in a second fiber provider enables business to have more choices, increased redundancy and business continuity." The competition kicked off July 23 and is open to all small and medium-sized commercial and industrial businesses across the five boroughs. The process evaluates applicants in unwired or underwired buildings based on how additional connectivity will help them grow their businesses, the potential to improve broadband infrastructure in underserved areas, and the business' proximity to other applicants. Applicants who are selected as finalists will be required to obtain a signed landlord agreement providing tw telecom or their other chosen participating provider with access to the building before they can be deemed an official winner.