Integra Telecom Inc. has completed a $1 million project to upgrade its network in northern Nevada.

John Nee, vice president of corporate communications, said the work included technological improvements to central office facilities in Reno, Sparks and Carson City.

The additional investment was necessary, Nee said, to support higher capacity Internet services rolled out by Integra for its business customers.

Integra, a privately held competitive local exchange carrier headquartered in Portland, Ore., entered the northern Nevada market through its acquisition of Eschelon Telecom in 2007.

Since then, Nee said, the company has doubled its customer base in the region. It serves small and mid-sized businesses.

Integra employs about 25 people in Reno, include staff in customer service, sales and operational positions.