Avista Extends High-Speed Lines

Avista Corp.’s fiber-optic division has started expanding its high-speed network, which will run from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene when completed this summer.

The fiber-optic network extension is expected to cost $800,000 to $900,000.

The push by Avista Fiber into North Idaho puts the company ahead of competitors such as Nextlink, GST and Electric Lightwave, all of whom have plans to cross the state line, but have yet to act.

GTE, the main telephone operator in North Idaho, has so far been the lone provider of high-speed fiber-optic services that are increasingly needed by companies that rely on the Internet or pass large amounts of data among separate offices.

Avista, along with all other voice and data service competitors in the area, now has fiber-optic lines as far east as Liberty Lake.

Avista spends $40,000 to $45,000 for each mile of fiber it runs, said Warren Miller, Avista Fiber president.

Miller noted Avista’s high-speed network will continue to be marketed to collegiate and research facilities, high-tech companies and business with satellite offices in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene corridor.

He said the extended network will also be hooked into three Avista corporate buildings in North Idaho.

The 20 miles of fiber Avista is adding from Liberty Lake to Coeur d’Alene will include both “dark fiber” and ”lighted fiber” lines.

Dark fiber is mainly used by companies to connect offices with each other, while lighted networks more often are used for more complex communication connections.

Miller said the project’s cost does not include extra equipment needed for lighted-fiber clients.

He said all permits for the expansion project have been issued, except for the city of Coeur d’Alene, where approval is expected soon.