Gig-Speed Fiber Optics Network to Reach Over
170,000 Potential Customers in Ohio by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 29,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed today announced that
it will build a substantial portion of its planned fiber optics
network in Ohio, where it expects
to deliver, by end of 2023, over 170,000 new fiber passings in
portions of a dozen counties in the first phase of construction in
the state. Brightspeed plans an additional 210,000 fiber passings
in the state in subsequent years of its build plan, for a total of
over 380,000 fiber-enabled locations across its Ohio operating territory.
Brightspeed will 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 locations
where fiber and advanced technology have not historically been
deployed. The company will initially be comprised of the 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 parties expect
to obtain regulatory approvals in the third quarter of this year,
and to close the transaction in early fourth quarter.
Brightspeed has been ramping its network design and construction
preparations across its multi-state territory as it continues
progress toward day one operations.
"We are thrilled to share details about our network
transformation plans for our Ohio
footprint," said Chris Creager,
Chief Administration Officer of Brightspeed. "Access to ultra-fast,
ultra-reliable broadband is simply a necessity across all aspects
of daily life for today's households and businesses. There's
no better, more proven technology than fiber-to-the-prem (FTTP) to
meet this need, now and for the foreseeable future. We believe
Ohioans will welcome a new competitive choice for internet and
Wi-Fi, and we can't wait to introduce our high-quality products and
our simple, straightforward approach to doing business."
Brightspeed's 2022-2023 build plan for Ohio will bring faster, more reliable Internet
and Wi-Fi initially to over 170,000 residential and commercial
locations in markets within Allen,
Crawford, Darke, Defiance, Henry, Logan,
Lorain, Richland, Trumbull, Union, Van
Wert, and Wayne
counties.
"In addition to our own significant build in Ohio, we are looking forward to the
opportunity to work with key stakeholders like BroadbandOhio at
state and local levels to expand the reach of our advanced fiber
network to even more communities," added Creager.
"Today's announcement will be encouraging news for those
lacking access in these counties," said Ohio Lt. Governor
Jon Husted. "You cannot be part of
the modern economy, education system, or healthcare system without
access to high-speed internet. That is why, since the beginning of
this administration, we have worked to bring broadband to every
Ohioan, from forming BroadbandOhio, to awarding $232 million in grants to increase
connectivity. These efforts, along with supporting private
investments, will make expanded internet a reality, further closing
the digital divide."
Brightspeed's mission is to expand and enhance internet access
for customers throughout its operating region. The company's
state-of-the-art technology leverages 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 its other 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