State-of-the-Art Fiber Network to Reach up to
24,000 Potential Customers by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 25,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed today announced that
it will build portions of its planned fiber optics network in
Illinois and Michigan, bringing faster, more reliable
internet and Wi-Fi to residential and business locations across its
operating territory in each state.
In Illinois, Brightspeed will
deliver, by end of 2023, up to 14,000 new fiber passings in
Knox County during the first phase
of network construction. The company plans to add 31,000 fiber
passings in the state in subsequent years of the build, for a total
of up to 45,000 fiber-enabled locations.
In Michigan, Brightspeed will
achieve, by end of 2023, over 10,000 new fiber passings in markets
within Chippewa, Monroe, Saginaw, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, and Tuscola counties. The company plans to add
14,000 passings in future years of the build, for a total of over
24,000 fiber-enabled locations.
"As our economy, education systems, healthcare platforms, and
entertainment options increasingly move online, there is greater
urgency for the broadband infrastructure to keep pace, especially
in rural and suburban communities," said Sherry Hessenthaler, operations strategy lead
for Brightspeed. "We are eager to begin our ambitious fiber
deployment in Illinois and
Michigan. We believe customers
will welcome a new competitive choice for internet and Wi-Fi. We
can't wait to introduce our high-quality products and customer
experience to the cities, towns, and neighborhoods we are
privileged to serve."
Brightspeed has outlined many of its state-specific build plans
over the last several months and is well underway with network
design and construction groundwork across its multistate territory
as it continues preparations for day one operations. 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, including in many locations where fiber and
advanced technology have not historically been deployed.
The company 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.
Brightspeed will leverage technology innovations and a unique
distributed FTTP architecture designed for faster implementation
and market availability of XGSPON-based internet services with
symmetrical speeds that exceed 1Gbps.
"Beyond our investment in Illinois and Michigan, we will evaluate areas for
consideration for state and federal broadband grant programs as
they arise," added Hessenthaler. "We are excited for the potential
to expand fiber-based internet to even more communities in our
serving area and look forward to working with key policymakers and
stakeholders including the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Economic Opportunity, and the Michigan High-Speed Internet
Office."
Brightspeed plans to announce further state-specific fiber build
plans in 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