Aerie to Build U.S. Broadband Network

Telecommunications firm Aerie Networks, backed by big oil and gas pipeline companies seeking to turn their rights of way into part of the information superhighway, said it would build the largest capacity U.S. broadband network in a $3.5-billion project to offer high-speed fiber optic communications. Several pipeline companies have invested in privately held Aerie, providing rights of way for the 20,000-mile network that will take three years to complete. San Diego-based Sempra Energy’s newly formed subsidiary, Sempra Communications, will acquire and contribute the communication rights needed to build and operate portions of the network in Southern California. Most of Aerie’s broadband network will be built along 14,958 miles of rights of way of 12 natural gas, oil and petroleum pipeline companies. BP Amoco, which is acquiring Los Angeles-based Atlantic Richfield Co., and CMS Energy Corp. are among the companies involved.