ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- American Fiber Systems (AFS), a leading nationwide provider of metropolitan fiber optic networks, today announced that it has signed a 20-year agreement with OARnet for dark-fiber services in Cleveland. OARnet is the state-funded Internet services division of the Ohio Supercomputer Center in Columbus, Ohio. According to Al Stutz, OARnet interim director, "the AFS Cleveland metro fiber network is an integral part of OARnet's planned 1,600-mile fiber network that promises to make high-speed, high-bandwidth connectivity available at universities and other research institutions throughout the state of Ohio." "We're excited to support OARnet's vision for unrestricted access to the country's most advanced networks and computing resources in an effort to promote research and education in the Greater Cleveland community", said John Marchaesi, Senior VP of Sales and Market Development for AFS. "The primary focus of our company is to deliver the advantages of optical networking, providing fault-tolerant and future-proof technology that enables connectivity throughout Cleveland and the broadband world". Under terms of the agreement, OARnet has the option for acquiring additional fiber on the AFS network, which extends throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area and surrounding communities, connecting the central business district, primary communication centers and business parks. American Fiber Systems Inc.