Integra Telecom recorded an increase in business Internet traffic of nearly 15 percent on Thursday, March 18, compared to two weeks ago as March Madness spread across the nation during the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Compared against Internet traffic from the past 12 months, Thursday’s traffic recorded by Integra Telecom represents the busiest day of the year. Thursday’s spike in Internet usage included visits to sports Web sites, social networking sites, as well as e-mail exchanges.

The Internet traffic statistic provided reflects Integra’s combined network. Integra’s March Madness Internet usage was compared against its Internet usage recorded two weeks prior to the first round of “Big Dance” games.