WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- The Development Authority of the North Country (DANC) has deployed a Nortel (NYSE:NT) (TSX:NT) packet-optical solution to bring high-speed broadband communication services to rural communities in northern New York.

Named the Open Access Telecom Network (OATN) of Northern New York, the network is available to service providers on an equal access and open basis, allowing them to extend a variety of services into the region. Multiple regional and national service providers are already using the network to support residential and business broadband service offerings. Wireless operators are also using the network to help provide better wireless service coverage to the region.

Approximately 70 school locations within the region were among the first to benefit from the new broadband capabilities, which are helping to reduce network costs while enhancing distance-learning capabilities. Additionally, New York government agencies are using the network to enable broadband connectivity between offices.

"This high-tech communications infrastructure will provide a solid foundation for economic and employment growth in the region by delivering the communication tools businesses need to be more competitive," said Tom Sauter, deputy director of DANC. "The OATN will also ensure that government, education and healthcare can enhance operational efficiencies and improve services through access to the latest broadband technologies."

"The cooperation from private telecommunications carriers has been a key factor in the successful development and implementation of the network," said Sauter. "The project is a good example of how public and private sectors can work together to overcome the communication challenges of rural areas."

Nortel Networks Ltd.