Aerie Networks Breaks Ground

Denver-Armed with $100 million from a recently closed series-C round of financing, closely held Aerie Networks said it has started construction on a broadband network that will eventually span 8.9 million fiber miles and connect 194 U.S. cities.

The company said its broadband grid would be the largest network in the U.S., in terms of capacity.

Aerie's initial buildout will link high-traffic markets such as Chicago and St. Louis; St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.; Kansas City and Dallas; and Dallas and Houston. Although fiber shortages have plagued network operators, Aerie said it will have all it will require via a four-year, $1 billion deal with Corning Inc.