About RANA

The Rockbridge Area Network Authority (RANA) is a public broadband authority service in Lexington, Virginia, which began with a simple mission: to provide reliable broadband services over a neutral infrastructure across the region with a data center to house the network and support area business needs. Today, RANA operates an open-access broadband network that enables interconnection for businesses, institutions, carriers, and service providers. At the Richard A. Peterson Center (RAP Center) RANA offers carrier-neutral colocation and data services, providing secure, scalable space and connectivity solutions.

Who We Are

RANA operates an open-access broadband network and a carrier-neutral data center, providing organizations with a reliable place to interconnect for business services. RANA maintains its infrastructure pursuant to industry best practices, ensuring service is dependable. The platform supports universities, public agencies, businesses of all sizes, carriers and ISPs.

Since 2009 Rockbridge Area Network Authority

History

Rockbridge County, the cities of Lexington and Buena Vista, and Washington & Lee University established RANA in 2009 to provide high-speed, open-access broadband infrastructure to the region. Its creation followed extensive planning and studies, including a feasibility report that confirmed the network would deliver reliable, efficient connectivity while supporting carriers, ISPs, universities, businesses of all sizes, and public agencies.

Created as a public authority with a regional focus, RANA initially partnered with local institutions and carriers, offering them access to its carrier-neutral broadband network and data center. A federal Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) award in 2010 provided the engine for long-term economic growth. Over time, the Lexington based data center became a neutral place for networks to connect as national and international carriers and partner institutions linked into the system.

Why RANA: Public Mission, Useful Outcomes

Our carrier-neutral colocation facility and its open-access fiber network provide substantial benefits for service providers and our partner institutions.

Neutral interconnection

Multiple providers meet in one place without exclusivity.

Operational clarity

Our operational practices remove ambiguity and reduce risk.

Regional impact

Reliable backhaul and colocation services help support our local and regional partners.

Reach beyond the region

Though based in Virginia, RANA supports national and international networks via in-house carriers and ISPs. You can interconnect in Lexington while serving customers across the country and beyond.

Partner ISPs

RANA works with institutions and service providers to extend coverage and improve resiliency.