Mainebiz

B U S I N E S S P RO F I L E S 62 B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N A s a Maine-owned and -operated Internet service provider, GWI has been a steadfast advocate since its founding in 1994 for the expansion of high- speed Internet access across the state. GWI views high-speed Internet connection as a driver for Maine's economic growth, allowing the state to lure companies and attract creative professionals who can do their jobs from anywhere, as long as they have reliable Internet service. A pioneer in leveraging the rise of the Internet—and recognized five times by Inc. magazine's list of the top 500 fastest-growing companies— GWI today offers broadband and phone service throughout the state via over 50 central office locations strategically positioned throughout the state and engineered for network redundancy and population density. In 2009, GWI CEO Fletcher Kittredge was the driving force in bringing private business and public GW I Advocate for high-speed Internet access across Maine P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G W I P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F G W I Top: The GWI fleet, here with Field Support Team Leader Joe Francoeur, is a familiar sight among Maine communities. Bottom: The GWI team advocates for the statewide expansion of high-speed Internet access. institutions together and finding the funds for the state's ree Ring Binder project, an open access fiber optic network that brings 21st century technology into the most rural and disadvantaged areas of the state of Maine. GWI's culture is about the customer. As a Maine-based company serving Maine consumers, GWI believes in open access, net neutrality and data privacy. GWI will never sell anyone's data. e company's sole focus is on consumers and providing them with the customized solutions they need. Making the connection GWI offers solutions to the residential, commercial, multi-dweller/ tenant unit and municipal markets. When it comes to residential customers, GWI solutions combine the power of high-speed Internet access with unlimited local and long-distance telephone service. e value GWI residential customers see is local delivery and support with a Maine company that respects and defends personal privacy. When combining that core philosophy with the power of fiber optics, the residential end user experience is unprecedented in the region. Commercial customers are another important focal point. For example, several large healthcare organizations with a total of 15 offices utilize GWI for secure high-speed private connections between locations. Security and reliability are two of the most important factors in serving this type of customer and GWI has engineered its network to provide both. In another instance, a prominent law firm with six offices throughout the state is a long-time customer of GWI. What started out with small DSL connections grew into high-capacity fiber and Ethernet connections and Hosted PBX services. is type of relationship is what GWI strives to achieve— growing and changing with the unique needs of their customers. Recently, GWI has had great success in working with developers to bring broadband to MDU/MTU markets. For example, in Saco, GWI partnered with Chinburg Properties to bring fiber optic Internet connectivity to Saco Mill No. 4. e mill has 150 residential units and commercial space is in development. Having fiber Internet available to its residents and commercial tenants brings a level of Internet connectivity to this premier property that's usually found in large metropolitan areas. is technology sets Chinburg apart from other properties in terms of Internet options.

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