A telecommunications company that builds fiber optic networks throughout the Northeast is expanding its headquarters in Albany, despite offers to relocate out-of-state.
Tech Valley Communications (TVC) will nearly double its Albany workforce to more than 120 people over the next five years.
CEO Kevin O’Connor says the increased use of smartphones and wireless devices has helped his company grow rapidly over the past decade.
“These devices are only wireless from this handset to nearest tower. Everything after that is wired, and we’re the ones who build the fiber to the cell towers.”
TVC owns and operates fiber optic networks in five Northeastern states. Its headquarters in downtown Albany will serve as the network operations center.
"We're on a pretty steep growth and we need the space to be able to grow," says O'Connor.
TVC considered moving out of state and was courted by New Hampshire, but decided to stay after local and state officials offered $350,000 economic development incentives.
For more from the Innovation Trail and Marie Cusick, visit their website. You can also follow Marie Cusick on Twitter @MarieCusick.
The Innovation Trail is a collaboration between six upstate New York public media outlets. The initiative, funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), helps the public gain a better understanding of the connection between technological breakthroughs and the revitalization of the upstate New York economy.