DigitalBridge Communications Wins Grant To Expand WiMAX 4G Coverage In Appomattox County, Virginia

ASHBURN, Va., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- DigitalBridge Communications Corp. (DBC), the leading private operator of WiMAX 4G broadband networks in underserved and rural America, is proud to announce today that it was awarded a grant from the Mid-Atlantic Broadband Cooperative (MBC) to triple its current broadband wireless coverage in Appomattox County, Virginia. This last-mile, matching grant award funded by the Virginia Tobacco Commission will enable DBC to bring affordable broadband services to underserved areas of Appomattox County.

" Appomattox County appreciates DigitalBridge's efforts to bring affordable broadband to the residents and businesses that need it the most," said John Spencer, Assistant County Administrator for Appomattox County. "We look forward to partnering with DBC and MBC to expand coverage to even more unserved and underserved parts of the County over the next year."

"This is a great day for everyone in Appomattox, from educators to health care providers to the residents of the County. We applaud MBC's matching grant and the extension of its advanced, open-access fiber network to the County over the past two years. We expect that similar public-private stimulus programs at the federal level will lead to rapid deployments as well, significantly expanded broadband coverage, and new jobs," said Kelley Dunne, CEO of DigitalBridge Communications.

DigitalBridge won the award following a competitive bidding process similar to the ongoing federal stimulus program in which DBC has also been an active participant. DBC's successful initial launch in Appomattox during 2008 was also supported by an MBC matching grant and led to the deployment of affordable wireless broadband services within 6 months and over 30% broadband adoption by residents and businesses. The new areas will also be served by 4G broadband speeds at prices starting as low as $29.99 per month.

Over the past three years, DBC has launched new wireless broadband service in 15 communities nationwide. The company brings fixed broadband wireless services to a variety of customers -- residential, business, educational, healthcare and public safety -- and provides mobile broadband services though WiMAX-enabled laptops, USB adapters and other portable devices. DBC's open, all-IP network and cost structure enable deployment of advanced services at a fraction of the capital and operating cost required for traditional wired and wireless services. Its scalable deployment capabilities, state-of-the-art Network Operations Center, billing and customer care systems, and solid operating record enable it to roll out new services within six to nine months.