Next-Generation Fiber Network to Reach Over
50,000 Potential Customers in Indiana by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 30,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed today announced
details for its planned fiber optics network build in the state of
Indiana. By the end of 2023, the
company will deliver over 50,000 new fiber passings in portions of
20 counties during the first phase of construction in the state.
Brightspeed plans an additional 70,000 fiber passings in subsequent
years of its build plan, for a total of more than 120,000
fiber-enabled locations across its Indiana footprint.
The Indiana fiber build is the
latest in a series of announcements that Brightspeed has made over
the last several months outlining the company's fiber network plans
for its multistate territory. In total, Brightspeed intends 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 in mainly
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 FCC approval and all necessary regulatory approvals in the
20 states in its operating footprint, and plans to close the
transaction early in the fourth quarter.
"We are excited to share our fiber network upgrade plans for
Indiana and are thrilled that we
will be reaching so many communities during our initial build
phase," said Tom Maguire, chief
operating officer of Brightspeed. "Our Brightspeed team has been
busy completing the design and construction preparations necessary
to hit the ground running on day one of operations. We cannot wait
to start delivering our ultra-fast, reliable internet connections,
with an awesome, best-in-class customer experience that the people
and businesses of Indiana need and
deserve."
Brightspeed's 2022-23 build plan for Indiana will bring faster, more reliable
internet and Wi-Fi to over 50,000 residential and business
locations in markets within Adams,
Carroll, Dearborn, Elkhart, Henry, Jasper, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Madison, Marshall, Newton, Ohio,
Pulaski, Randolph, St.
Joseph, Starke,
Switzerland, White, and Whitley counties.
"Beyond our own extensive network build in Indiana, we are looking forward to working
with key state and local stakeholders, including the Office of
Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA), to pursue opportunities to
further expand fiber-based broadband availability in Indiana," added Maguire.
"There are several rural counties in Indiana that are poised for growth in the next
few years, but it comes down to quality of life in these rural
areas," said Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne
Crouch. "Access to quality education and healthcare are keys
to this growth, but neither can happen without affordable and
reliable connectivity. Brightspeed's investment in Indiana in the next two years will bring
reliable connectivity to an estimated 50,000 businesses and
households. This is what Hoosiers need!"
Brightspeed's unique next-generation FTTP architecture,
supported by a portfolio of blue-chip technology partners, is
engineered to help the company accelerate deployment and market
availability. The company's planned XGS-PON network will be capable
of delivering download and upload speeds in excess of 1Gbps, with
service reliability vital to helping today's households and
businesses connect, grow, and thrive.
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