Shortly after activating the connection, Cogent extended its contract with Virginia-based Switch and Data customer ePHONE Telecom, which had a 100 Mbps Internet service connection turned up in Reston.

"Through Switch and Data's interconnection capabilities to over 120 diverse networks, our business enabling model gives customers, like ePHONE and Cogent, the ability to reach their customers and suppliers," says Patricia Higgins, chief executive officer of Switch and Data. "We are a marketplace where our customer can prosper through the exchange of goods and services."

Cogent Communications and Switch and Data say they are hosting an informal open house event on September 12 from 4 to 6 pm at the facility. The event will showcase ePHONE and provide information on the technologies available at Switch and Data facilities, including Cogent?s Internet connectivity.

"When you can create a win-win situation, you tend to be satisfied, but when you can create a win-win-win situation, you get real excited. And in this situation, Cogent couldn't be happier with the outcome. We have a customer that is extremely pleased with our service and price point, and we have a very satisfied colocation partner that has come to know that our service provider price of $30 per megabit attracts customers," says Dave Schaeffer, CEO Cogent Communications.