This week I was back in my birthplace to help celebrate the “Start of Service” for the Ciena Powered Alabama Fiber Network. The Ciena team joined Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Fiber Network’s CEO Terry Metze to kick off the event. Through a powerful public/private sector coalition, we have aligned eight electric co-ops to deliver a robust Ciena Powered Middle Mile backbone throughout the state of AL. This network investment will span 5,000 route miles, is expected to create 4,000+ jobs, and generate a $657 million in economic impact across 67 counties. I can’t wait to see the opportunity this project will help generate for the people of Alabama. ? Check back here in a few days as I’ll post my thoughts on why NOW is the right time for these types of investments in our rural communities and across the country. See y’all back here in a few.