MOX to Build Pacific Northwest Backhaul Route for Toptana Technologies

MOX Networks, LLC, a fiber-optic network specialist, is building a new fiber-optic backhaul network for Toptana Technologies (“Toptana”), the first indigenous-owned cable landing station and backhaul network provider on the West Coast of the United States.

Fully owned by the Quinault Indian Nation (“QIN”) of the Pacific Northwest, Toptana will bring connectivity to unserved and under-served markets across Washington State and Oregon.

The terrestrial backhaul solution that MOX is constructing for Toptana will contain 288 fibers of initial capacity, offering dark fiber cross connects to major telecom peering points, and will be approximately 98 miles from the Ocean Shores Cable Landing Station (“CLS”) premises. MOX is bridging the middle-mile interconnection systems from two of the most connected hubs on the West Coast: Seattle, Washington and Hillsboro, Oregon.

The new backhaul network will result in minimal disruption to the community and the environment with 100% of the terrestrial network being built underground through Washington and Oregon. Protecting and championing the environmental stewardship of the land and waters was critical for MOX and Toptana in completing field engineering, permitting, and rights of way to protect land resources.

As part of a wider project, Toptana Technologies is building the CLS in Ocean Shores, Washington. Designed to Tier III specifications and 100% uptime standards, the construction of the new 17,700 square foot CLS will begin in the summer of 2023 and is expected to be operational in 2025. The new facility will boost diversity and be the first landing station on Washington’s Pacific coastline. It will also be the first CLS in Washington since 1999, the first ever on the state’s Pacific coast, and the first venture of its kind owned by a sovereign Indian Nation.

“We’re thrilled to announce our historic partnership with the first indigenous-owned cable landing station and backhaul network provider in the U.S. MOX is a critical contributor to this trailblazing project alongside the Quinault Indian Nation, with Toptana facilitating new connectivity in the State of Washington, serving the Pacific Northwest and the Asia-Pacific region,” said Allen Meeks, COO, MOX. “I’m proud to be a part of leading the exceptional team charged with delivering a highly sustainable and ethical project in the face of numerous challenges, especially environmentally and culturally sensitive factors. We look forward to this bespoke fiber build and supporting this unique edge connection to new markets in the Northwest Pacific,” he added.

“Our mission is to connect the digitally under-connected across our region so all people can fully participate in the digital economy," said Tyson Johnston, President, Toptana Technologies' Board of Directors. "We selected MOX Networks to build the nearly 300-mile terrestrial backhaul network from Seattle to Hillsboro based on their deep experience with these types of complex projects and our shared commitment to protecting the environment. In addition, MOX's in-depth fiber expertise and familiarity with the project's geography makes them a great partner for us to help bring connectivity to unserved and underserved communities."