All-Fiber, Gig-Speed Network to Reach up to
14,000 Potential Customers by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 16,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed today announced that
it will deliver, by the end of 2023, up to 14,000 new fiber
passings in Beaufort County during
the first phase of its fiber optics network build in the state of
South Carolina. Brightspeed plans
to add 36,000 fiber passings in the state in subsequent years of
its build plan, for a total of up to 50,000 fiber-enabled locations
across its South Carolina
footprint.
"Expanding access to faster, more reliable, and user-friendly
internet is our number one priority," said Sherry Hessenthaler, operations strategy lead
for Brightspeed. "High-quality broadband has never been more
important, whether for work, education, telemedicine,
entertainment, or simply staying connected. We are ready to hit the
ground running with our deployment in Beaufort County and are looking forward to
introducing customers to our state-of-the-art Brightspeed products
and services."
The South Carolina 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
locations where fiber and advanced technology have not historically
been implemented.
"In addition to our own network investment in South Carolina, we are thrilled for the
opportunity to further expand fiber-based internet access through
participation in state and federal broadband infrastructure grant
programs as they arise," added Hessenthaler.
"Ensuring that South Carolinians have access to quality
broadband has never been more important, but it requires
communication, collaboration, and cooperation with partners in the
private sector, like Brightspeed," said Governor Henry McMaster. "We're grateful for
Brightspeed's investment in Beaufort
County and look forward to continuing our work together in
this increasingly important endeavor."
South Carolina is among the 20
states that make up Brightspeed's service territory, mainly in
rural and suburban regions of the country. 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).
Brightspeed's next-generation FTTP architecture is being
engineered to accelerate deployment and market availability. The
company is utilizing innovative technologies including XGS-PON,
capable of symmetrical internet speeds exceeding 1Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6
for optimal performance and coverage to support the increasing
array of connected devices within homes and businesses.
Brightspeed plans to announce other state-specific network 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