By Khali Henderson

MegaPath Corp. announced Wednesday the launch of its extended Ethernet service, which expands the reach of MegaPaths Business Ethernet access to customers in areas where Ethernet over Copper service is unavailable.

In Phoenix, for example, the number of businesses now reached by MegaPath Ethernet services has tripled with the addition of extended Ethernet services. Overall, MegaPaths extended Ethernet service reaches nearly 1 million businesses in 25 markets, such as New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

The initial offer is Ethernet over DS1, although other varieties are forthcoming, according to a company spokesperson. Like EoC, it supports symmetrical speeds of 2-45MBps. Unlike EoC, EoDS1 is not distance-sensitive.

Both EoC and EoDS1 are less expensive alternatives to T1 and bonded T1. The also use loop-bonding techniques that ensure the function of remaining circuits in the event of a loop failure. Ethernet also is easier to scale than T1 lines. Ethernet’s primary drawback, historically, is availability.

MegaPath recently completed its 2012 Ethernet over Copper expansion project and now has EoC with symmetrical speeds up to 45MBps available on its network in the top 50 markets nationwide through 693 central offices around the country.

MegaPath said it plans to continue investing in its Ethernet network and will announce new Ethernet capabilities in early 2013.

In addition to Ethernet, MegaPath provides data, voice, security and hosted IT services for small, medium and enterprise businesses nationwide.