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Facebook building $1.5 billion data center in Altoona, Iowa
Facebook has already set up shop in North Carolina and Oregon, but it's heading to Iowa for its next -- and biggest -- data center. According to the Des Moines Register, the town of Altoona will be home to a 1.4-million-square-foot facility (code-named Catapult), and it will reportedly be the "most technologically advanced center in the world." Why Altoona, you ask? The city is already home to several data hubs, as its fiber-optic cable system, access to power and water utilities and affordable land are big draws for companies. Facebook will complete project Catapult in two $500 million phases, though the entire cost will reportedly ring in at $1.5 billion. The social network is also seeking wind energy production tax credits, which is no doubt connected to its Open Compute Project for promoting energy efficiency. That's all we know so far; suffice to say a center this big won't be built overnight.
Atlantic Broadband adds 9 HD channels in Altoona / Johnstown, PA
Atlantic Broadband last gifted its subscribers with new HD channels in December 2007, which means those loyal customers are definitely due for a few more. Thankfully, said carrier is in complete agreement, as the Altoona and Johnstown areas of Pennsylvania can now enjoy nine new high-def channels along with ESPNU in SD. As for the newcomers, you'll find A&E HD (785), ESPN2 HD (782), Discovery HD (786), Disney HD (778), Animal Planet HD (787), TLC HD (788), TBS HD (790) and Showtime HD (794). Mum's the word on when any others will be added, but hopefully these will keep you occupied for some time yet.
