Leading-Edge Fiber Network to Reach Over
70,000 Potential Customers in Wisconsin by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 27,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed today outlined its
planned fiber network build for the state of Wisconsin. By the end of 2023, Brightspeed
will complete the first phase of construction and deliver over
70,000 new fiber passings across fifteen counties in the state. In
subsequent years of its network initiative, the company plans to
add 80,000 fiber passings for a total of over 150,000 new
fiber-enabled locations in its Wisconsin operating territory.
The Wisconsin fiber build is
part of Brightspeed's comprehensive plan to invest at least
$2 billion in its fiber optics
transformation, which is expected to reach up to 3 million homes
and businesses over the next five years, including in many rural
and suburban settings where fiber and advanced technology have not
historically been deployed.
Brightspeed will initially be comprised of incumbent local
exchange carrier (ILEC) assets and associated operations of Lumen
Technologies (NYSE: LUMN), which are the subject of a pending
acquisition by Apollo-managed funds (NYSE: APO). The company has
secured all necessary state-required regulatory approvals in the 20
states in its operating footprint. The parties expect to obtain
final FCC approval in the third quarter, and to close the
transaction in early fourth quarter.
"As we continue our extensive preparations for day one, we are
pleased to share the build plans for our Wisconsin footprint," said Sherry Hessenthaler, Operations Strategy Lead
for Brightspeed. "A reliable, affordable broadband connection is a
necessity to function and thrive in the modern economy, and the
need for high-speed internet access is especially great in our
rural areas. We believe people and businesses should have access to
the best internet with the simplest customer experience possible.
We are eager to introduce our Brightspeed services to customers in
so many Wisconsin
communities."
Brightspeed's 2022-23 build plan for Wisconsin will bring faster, more reliable
internet and Wi-Fi to over 70,000 residential and business
locations in markets within Ashland, Bayfield, Columbia, Dane, Dodge,
Douglas, Grant, Green
Lake, Jackson, La Crosse,
Lafayette, Marinette, Monroe, Outagamie, and Sauk counties. These new fiber passings are
incremental to 21,000 existing fiber-enabled addresses that
Brightspeed will assume upon the close of the transaction between
the Apollo funds and Lumen.
"To augment our initial build plans and help make fiber-based
internet a reality for even more customers, we have been evaluating
areas for consideration for Wisconsin's broadband infrastructure
initiatives," Hessenthaler added. "We're excited to have received a
sizable grant under the state's Broadband Expansion Grant Program,
and we look forward to pursuing future federal and state broadband
grant opportunities."
"Brightspeed's investment in Wisconsin will make an enormous difference for
residents of our great state who depend on reliable internet to
work, learn, and live," said Senator Julian Bradley, Chair of the Senate Committee on
Utilities, Technology and Telecommunications.
Brightspeed is working with a select team of technology
innovators and supply chain partners to implement a
state-of-the-art FTTP network engineered for faster deployment and
market availability. The company will leverage XGS-PON, an
architecture supporting symmetrical internet speeds that exceed
1Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6, the latest wireless networking standard for
better speed and performance within today's device-packed homes and
offices.
Brightspeed plans to announce further state-specific network
build plans over the coming weeks.
For more information about Brightspeed, visit the company's
website, www.brightspeed.com.
About Brightspeed
Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and expected to have assets
and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed will provide
broadband and telecommunications services through a network
platform capable of serving more than 6 million homes and
businesses. The company aims to bridge the digital divide by
deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer
experience that makes staying connected simple and seamless. For
more information about Brightspeed, visit the company's website,
www.brightspeed.com.
Media
Erik Carlson
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer
Katcher
(212) 355-4449
pr@brightspeed.com
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SOURCE Brightspeed