PANGAEA expands Internet Service to Lake Lure, North Carolina

June 17, 2010– Tryon, NC
Contacts: PANGAEA Internet: Ron Walters (828-859-3071 or 828-395-1155)

June 17, 2010 – PANGAEA Internet, a non-profit business headquartered in Tryon, North Carolina, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its fiber optic network to the Lake Lure area. Effective immediately, all commercial customers that are located on Highway 9 or on Highway 9/64/74A between Larkin’s Restaurant and Chimney Rock Park can access PANGAEA’s “Speed of Light” internet service. Future plans include expanding service availability east on Highway 64/74A, Bills Creek Road and Buffalo Creek Road. Note that PANGAEA does not offer residential service.

“Today’s economy and quality of life are greatly impacted by access to high speed internet and we are extremely excited to bring the benefits of PANGAEA’s community owned network to Lake Lure” commented Ron Walters, PANGAEA Executive Director.

Launched in 2003, PANGAEA has experienced dramatic growth due to the generous funding from foundations, state and local governments, and business partners. It is now operating a robust fiber optic network that cost more than $3 million and includes more than 160 miles of fiber in Polk and Rutherford Counties.

PANGAEA customers include: Polk and Rutherford County Governments; Polk and Rutherford County Schools; the Towns of Tryon, Forest City, Lake Lure and Rutherfordton; Polk County Library; Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce; Isothermal Community College; Isothermal Planning & Development; St. Luke’s Hospital; as well as many medical offices and commercial businesses.

Please visit www.pangaea.us to see the network map, customer testimonials and the PANGAEA contact information or call 828-859-3072.

PANGAEA’S mission is to build an open and cost effective fiber optic network and deliver affordable high-speed Internet connectivity to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life in Polk and Rutherford Counties