Why We Chose Fiber Optic and Wireless Telecommunications Infrastructure
For three quarters of a century, Hugh O’Kane Electric Co., Inc. (HOK) has provided top quality telecommunications installation, electrical maintenance, and electrical contracting services for business and enterprise in the New York City, Long Island and northern New Jersey metro area, and we’re committed to helping our city lead the future of digital broadband communications.
A History as a Leading Provider of Electrical Contracting, Electrical Maintenance, & Telecom Installation in NYC
When founded in 1946, HOK offered quality electrical contracting and maintenance services to clients in the graphic arts and printing industries. By the 1980s, business was changing, as technology assumed a greater role in day-to-day commerce. In 1986, after four decades of growth and success, HOK entered the fiber optic telecommunications market, building the pioneering fiber-optic networks in New York City for clients such as Teleport Communications Group (TCG) and Metropolitan Fiber Systems. “Seizing the opportunity to enter the fiber optic market during the infancy of its development was a watershed moment for our company” - Hugh R. O’Kane, President of Hugh O’Kane Electric.
In 1993, after the first attack on the World Trade Center, HOK responded immediately to restore the network of the company’s original telecom customer, TCG. Using a combination of ingenuity and quick reacting labor mobilization, HOK was able to restore power and connectivity to the B6 Level below the Towers, where the TCG switch was located. Since then, Hugh O'Kane Electric has been a leading Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) network contractor in New York City.
During the 1990s, the telecom industry experienced an unprecedented period of rapid growth, and HOK was right at the center of it, establishing itself as a leading contractor for nearly all major CLECs working throughout the northeast United States.
When the towers were attacked again on September 11, 2001, HOK responded with a surge of manpower and well developed technological skill once again, helping to restore fiber optic connectivity to Lower Manhattan and rebuilding many of the telecom networks destroyed by the attack. HOK is no stranger to rapid disaster response— following the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Sandy, HOK helped to restore both electric utility power to numerous buildings and telecom service to our long list of CLEC customers, as well as working continuously throughout the global COVID-19 quarantine in 2020. “For three generations, HOK has always responded with action whenever a crisis hit New York and this is a source of pride for our company, our employees and the O’Kane family” - John O’Kane, Chief Operating Officer
An Expert in Fiber Optic & Wireless Networks
In 2008, HOK built the first large-scale distributed antenna system (DAS) for NextG networks in New York City. Since that time, the world of wireless communication has exploded, and HOK has been at the heart of the action, helping businesses establish the electrical and digital infrastructure they need to succeed. In 2021, this means building fiber optic networks designed to support 5G.
HOK currently supports its telecom customers with over 100 highly trained technicians and support staff, 100+ vehicles (Outside Plant trucks, Splice Labs, aerial bucket trucks) and 60,000+ square feet of warehouse space, all working 24/7. Operated as a family business since its founding, HOK continues to be a leading contractor for nearly all enterprise carriers, mobile network operators & mobile telecom franchises in NYC performing both capital expansion as well as 24/7 maintenance work.
We look forward to a future of continued growth and successful partnerships with our clients in New York, New Jersey, and beyond. “We look forward to the challenges and opportunities that building and maintaining New York City’s telecommunications infrastructure present now and in the future” - Hugh R. O’Kane