The agreement gives Tech Valley Communications permission to use the town's Rights-of-Way and underground areas to build a fiber-optic-based infrastructure to serve businesses in the town. "The franchise agreement allows us to build high-speed connections for businesses anywhere in the town. This means small and large businesses will benefit from Tech Valley Communications' cost-effective, high-capacity voice and data services," said Tech Valley Communications' CEO Kevin O'Connor.

"We welcome Tech Valley Communications into our town to promote commerce and otherwise further public interest," said Town of Colonie Supervisor Mary Brizzell. "The franchise agreement helps to keep the marketplace competitive."

The non-exclusive agreement signed between Tech Valley Communications and the town runs for an initial 10-year period and restricts TVC from providing cable television services.

About Tech Valley Communications (TVC)

Tech Valley Communications (TVC) is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), formed in 1999. TVC is the only locally owned, facilities-based telecommunications provider headquartered in upstate New York's Tech Valley. TVC offers a full range of local and long distance voice services, data, and high-speed and dial-up Internet services at competitive prices.

TVC has experienced steady, organic growth and has expanded its local presence through the successful acquisition of GFC Communications in 2000 and its combination with Mid-Hudson Communications in August 2002. TVC now operates its own switching facilities and an extensive fiber network throughout the Tech Valley Region. Currently TVC employs approximately 60 people at its various locations in downtown Albany. Its employees, senior management, and Board of Directors are all residents of the Tech Valley Region, and are committed to providing the highest quality service and value to its customers.