PeakNet offers wireless macro site collocations, small cell attachments and Build-To-Suit monopoles to help carriers build robust, connected networks for their customers and our communities. With access to Duke Energy’s utility structures and real estate holdings, we help find the best solutions to the toughest siting challenges. Our experienced, dedicated team actively manages every step from site acquisition through construction to ensure adherence to our strict safety and quality standards. Learn More
Our History
PeakNet originated in 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary offering wireless collocation within Florida Power Corporation (FPC). FPC and Carolina Power and Light merged to form Progress Energy, and from 1995 to 1998, Progress’s dedicated telecom unit built over 100 collocation sites for Verizon, AT&T and Sprint PCS. In 1999, Progress Telecom, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, was formed to consolidate and focus on building fiber and wireless sites, and served as a single point of contact for the wireless industry’s infrastructure needs within the Progress geographic footprint. In 2000, Carolina Power & Light (CP&L) and Florida Progress merged and the new company, Progress Energy, capitalized on its market advantage by offering over 100,000 collocation siting options to wireless carriers, and was known as PT Access Networks. In 2003, Progress Telecom, LLC was formed, as a joint venture, consolidating the CP&L and Progress Energy telecom and fiber assets and business with those of EPIK Communications, Inc. In 2006, Progress Telecom, LLC was reorganized, with Level 3 Communications, Inc. purchasing Progress Telecom, LLC (holding the fiber transport network), and Progress Energy retaining and continuing to offer “edge of infrastructure” wireless collocation siting opportunities through PT Attachment Solutions, LLC (d/b/a PT Access Networks), which was spun out and retained by Progress Energy when the Level 3 transaction closed. From and after the transaction with Level 3 in 2006, PT Access Networks provided wireless telecom site development services (i.e., locating site options, management of zoning approvals and the acquisition of required land rights, overseeing engineering design and architecture, as well as construction and project management services. In July of 2012, Duke Energy merged with Progress Energy, increasing the overall geographic footprint, with PT Attachment Solutions, LLC (d/b/a PT Access Networks) continuing its focus on wireless telecom collocation siting options and services. In 2018, PT Attachment Solutions, LLC (d/b/a PT Access Networks) changed its name to PeakNet Services, LLC. In 2022, Duke Energy acquired the ownership interests held by its joint venture partners in the PeakNet group, and continues to operate the PeakNet wireless collocation business through PeakNet Services, LLC, and its affiliated lease holding company, PeakNet, LLC (each being wholly owned subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation).
Our Mission and Values
To build connected communities with innovative and pragmatic wireless infrastructure solutions to meet today’s needs and support tomorrow’s emerging technologies.
We put safety first in all we do.
Safety is paramount for Duke Energy and its subsidiaries. We are diligent in creating safe working conditions, helping to ensure the safety of each and every person working on our sites—and of the people in the communities we serve.
We take care of our people and our customers.
That means we make sure our staff and subcontractors are safe and that we maintain a work environment that is fair and respectful. And it means we constantly look out for the best interests of our customers, advocating for them, working together as a team, and building long-term relationships.
We value creative thinking.
We believe in thinking outside of the box and being proactive to develop innovative solutions for our customers. We are passionate about what we are doing, and it shows.
Our People Make the Difference
With decades of experience in the wireless and utility industries, our dedicated team has the specialized knowledge and insights to find the right solution for even the toughest siting challenges. We put our expertise in local permitting, infrastructure construction, and project management to work every day to meet our customers’ highest expectations.
ALLAN BAKALAR, Vice President and General Manager
Allan Bakalar is responsible for the daily operations of the company’s wireless collocation business throughout Duke Energy’s six state footprint. Allan has been with PeakNet and its predecessor companies for twenty years, holding various management positions in carrier relations, product development, business development, marketing, contract management, and operations.
Allan is a founding member of Florida Wireless Association, and currently serves as their Treasurer. Also, a founding member of UtiliSite, a division of Utilities Technologies Counsel (UTC), Allan served as their Chairman and continues to hold roles in many of their committees.
TONYA SWINDELL, Vice President Finance
Tonya R. Swindell directs all financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for the company. She develops pricing models for new and existing products for the organization and supervises the finance team.
Prior to joining PeakNet, Tonya served as Financial Reporting Manager with Cunningham Lindsey, consolidating 52 international and domestic entities. Before joining Cunningham Lindsey, Tonya served as the Manager of Asset Management for American Airlines, IT division. She was responsible for buying, tracking and negotiating contracts related to IT hardware and software assets.
Tonya is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
MICHAEL WHITLEY, Vice President Business Development
Michael Whitley leads growth initiatives and expansion of wireless collocation solutions on Duke Energy utility infrastructure. Michael is a dynamic business development executive with an extensive and diverse background in sales, real estate, construction, and program management.
Prior to joining PeakNet, Michael served as Executive Director for the East Region & Government with ExteNet Systems, Inc. directing the development of innovative network solutions for wireless service providers in both outdoor and indoor environments. In addition, Michael is U.S. Armed Forces decorated veteran and Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Coverage Areas
With access to Duke Energy’s utility structures and real estate holdings across the entire Duke Energy customer service territory, we offer hundreds of thousands of potential sites— many in the toughest areas to zone.
