We’re focused on building the infrastructure of tomorrow to help meet the business challenges of today: Segra

The invention of fiber optic cables have transformed data transmission and aided internet firms in providing high-speed data. Further, the reliability and performance offered by fiber optic cable are the prime reasons for firms opting for the same.

We introduce you to Segra, one of the largest independent fiber network companies in the Eastern US. Segra has a broad and dense service footprint that provides state-of-the-art Ethernet, MPLS, dark fiber, advanced data center services, IP and managed services, voice and cloud solutions, all backed by its industry-leading service and reliability.

We got in touch with Rose Chambers, Chief Information Officer, for further discussion about the company

Q. When and why did Segra begin? When looking for a connectivity solution, why should customers choose Segra? 

Built on a 125-year legacy of connectivity, Segra owns and operates 30,000 route miles of advanced fiber infrastructure network throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States. With employees across 90 facilities, including 14 sales offices and 9 data centers serving 44 markets, Segra is one of the largest independent fiber network companies in the Eastern US. Because of our extensive network, Segra can provide state-of-the-art Ethernet, MPLS, dark fiber, advanced data center services, IP and managed services, voice and cloud solutions, all backed by its industry-leading service and reliability.

The reliability and speed of their fiber network are unparalleled in the marketplace. High-performance fiber connectivity from Segra differs from many other sources of broadband internet, which often deliver congested, unpredictable or patchy access and services. On some of these other networks, users share bandwidth with other subscribers. The result is inconsistent service which can slow down one’s business.

Connectivity solutions include Segra’s SD-WAN which securely supports application growth, and intelligently steers traffic for consistent performance over multiple connection types including MPLS, LTE and broadband. Segra’s Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) provides a dedicated, secure, reliable connection to the Internet that has guaranteed bandwidth, as well as Segra’s Long-Term Evolution services, which keep out-of-office employees and remote sites securely connected to customer’s networks. 

Segra’s data centers focus exclusively on enterprise services, offering high-availability data center services throughout the Mid-Atlantic. With the vast network of Segra’s fiber footprint, along with ample options for connectivity, Segra’s data centers are uniquely positioned to offer clients on-net data center and colocation services. Not only because of its impressive network, data centers and products, but also its exceptional customer service, Segra is unmatched in the industry.

Give us a brief rundown of the company’s background, from its inception to the present, if you could please. 

Founded in 1897, Segra’s legacy company transitioned through several names and acquisitions over its first 100 years, growing its footprint throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Lumos Networks acquired Spirit Communications in 2018 and the combined company was rebranded as “Segra” in 2019. Segra then joined the Cox Communications family of companies in October 2021.

Q. What are the guiding principles by which everyone at Segra operates?

Segra’s core values are represented in what we call our “Articles of Excellence” and reflect the deep sense of purpose we bring to work every day. At Segra, our customer-centric approach to business enables success. We excel at challenges, embrace change and always strive to do the right thing.

As mentioned on the walls of our headquarters, Segra’s Articles of Excellence are:

• Stay True - We are honest with ourselves and with others. We earn trust every day. We do what is right, we follow through and we never compromise our values.
• Embrace Change - We adjust, evolve, expect shifts, and find solutions. We are flexible, open-minded and we iterate constantly. We celebrate the victories, and we learn from the losses.
• Choose to Win - Whether we are laying new fiber routes, closing a million-dollar deal or answering the phone, we take part in all that we do. We study and understand the challenges. We strategize on the game plan and then we find a way to win.
• Be the Consumer - We know that without our customers, our company goes away. We listen, we have empathy, we show respect. We make every conversation count and we go that extra mile to make every experience more memorable.
• Light the Fire - We empower ourselves through education and self-improvement and we empower those around us to achieve their potential. We are responsible risk takers who seek information and search for the right tools.
• Create a Legacy - We create value for our customers, our employees and our owners. By doing so, we establish a heritage of reliable infrastructure, constant innovation, and good stewardship.
• Build the Bones - 1 + 1 = 3 is what makes us great. We seek the wisdom of others. We share our talents, and we collaborate in continuum. We know that ‘command and control’ never works. For it is only as a team that we achieve common goals.
• Set the Pace – In our quest for innovation, we are bold, competitive, and confident. We test boundaries, we question the status quo, and we push beyond expectations. We are unafraid of what lies ahead.

To what extent does Segra’s service portfolio extend?

Segra offers a full suite of enterprise services, providing connectivity, cybersecurity, collaboration, and cloud solutions for its customers, which include carriers, enterprises, governments, and healthcare organizations. Along with the connectivity services above, Segra’s other suite of services are listed below. 

Segra’s cloud-based services allow businesses to replace costly hardware investments with a robust suite of services and solutions, providing a one-stop-shop for all your virtual infrastructure needs. Because Segra owns its own carrier-grade connectivity network – unlike most cloud service providers – it can offer its customers multiple advantages and benefits, including the ability to customize and package services, while improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Our robust suite of managed services – which includes Hosted Firewall, SOCaaS, and DDoS protection – keeps businesses connected and secure while guarding against cyberattacks and unplanned network outages. With a wide range of data and cybersecurity solutions and fully compliant services, we offer peace of mind - and a foundation for long-term success. Segra provides organizations with immediate analysis of security alerts generated by applications and network hardware, but without the need for capital investment. The service is hosted in a secure and compliant cloud so that it can manage and monitor an organization’s critical systems regardless of where they are. Segra’s security team is responsible for ongoing monitoring and analysis of an organization’s cybersecurity. It is staffed with tier 1 analysts, advanced security engineers, threat hunters and threat intelligence managers.

The demands on organizations today require fast, flexible, cost-effective and easy-to-use communication solutions. Voice and data traffic travels securely over Segra’s private network, ensuring that you stay connected and protected even when accessed by remote employees. Customers have the flexibility to expand as technology changes and when their business grows.

Meet the luminary

Rose Chambers serves as Chief Information Officer, leading and implementing the vision and strategy of Segra’s information systems and infrastructure. Rose has served in the telecommunications and cable industry for over 25 years and has a successful track record delivering complex technology and business transformation projects. Prior, she held various leadership positions at Cox Communications including most recently Vice President, Product and Technology. Before Cox, Rose was a Vice President at Capgemini where she led large business transformation programs for Capgemini’s communications clients in the US and Europe.

“We’re known for our future-forward infrastructure and state-of-the-art voice and data technology solutions for businesses of all sizes and wholesale transport services to some  of the world’s largest carriers.”

“Segra owns and operates one of the nation’s largest fiber networks and provides best-in-class broadband and data security solutions throughout the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.”