eX2 Technology Partnerss with Ammon, Idaho for Open Access Connected City

OMAHA, NE — eX2 Technology (eX2) announced a partnership with the city of Ammon, Idaho to support the town’s development into an open access connected city. In addition to providing Ammon with integral services ranging from procurement support to physical design for the installation of critical infrastructure, eX2 will support the deployment of a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network utilizing software defined networking (SDN) technology to deliver vastly higher bandwidth to the community, facilitating internet services from numerous providers, and other services. Through the development of Ammon’s city-owned network, designed to provide residents and business with significantly greater choice in broadband service providers, the town has become a premier model for the nation’s next generation of open-access networks.

2016 Community Broadband Project of the Year
With the help of eX2, a provider of intelligent infrastructure, Ammon’s plan for empowering its community members with greater choice and flexibility in broadband service providers has proven cost-effective, while spurring economic growth and increasing property value. Ammon was one of the first cities in the United States to make the move to utilize local improvement districts (LIDs) and a scalable funding model to develop a city-owned network to facilitate broadband-based public services and privately provided Internet services, which led to the town being awarded the 2016 Community Broadband Project of the Year from the National Association of telecommunications officers and advisors (NATOA). The network allows Ammon’s nearly 15,000 residents the choice of opting in or out of the network, as well as instantly selecting and changing internet providers using a specially designed, innovative portal. As a result, service providers are influenced to constantly improve service, allowing for and encouraging market competition.

“We are more than pleased with our partnership with eX2 to design and document our fiber optic infrastructure,” said Bruce Patterson, technology director, city of Ammon. “They have proven to have the expertise we need, by quickly and efficiently delivering on work orders while still being sensitive to project budget constraints. It is a true ‘win-win’ relationship when partners remain focused on each other’s success and we feel we have that with eX2.”

Assist with Design and Implementation of Infrastructure Expansion
eX2, which specializes in the finance, design, installation and maintenance of robust broadband, critical infrastructure and intelligent transportation systems, will assist Ammon with several significant aspects of the town’s technological development. eX2 will provide procurement support, network documentation, and engage local contractors, as well as support all of Ammons’ pre-construction preparation and design activities. With deep knowledge and expertise in the smart-city movement, eX2 will work closely with the Ammon Fiber Optic Department to help with the design and implementation of its infrastructure expansion. eX2 will advise Ammon of the necessary tools and products, as well as the best locations to place fiber cables through neighborhoods, ultimately bringing fiber to Ammon homes.

“The results of the collaboration between Ammon and eX2 will demonstrate to other similarly sized communities the significant benefits of a municipally owned network,” said Kyle Hildebrand, Vice President of Project Development, eX2 Technology. “The coming generation of smart fiber connected cities across the United States will not only feature more choices for faster and more cost-effective broadband services, but the communities utilizing intelligent infrastructures will enjoy increased property values, prosperous businesses, improved public services, greater public safety and general economic growth. eX2 is thrilled to lend its expertise to an innovative small-town community that is leading the way in fiber optic networks.”