Advanced Fiber Optics Network to Reach Over
40,000 Potential Customers in Arkansas by End of 2023
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug, 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed
today outlined its planned fiber network build for the state of
Arkansas. By the end of 2023,
Brightspeed will complete the first phase of construction and
deliver over 40,000 fiber passings across 10 counties in the state.
In subsequent years of its network initiative, the company plans to
add 60,000 fiber passings for a total of over 100,000 new
fiber-enabled locations in its Arkansas footprint.
"We look forward to beginning our network deployment in
Arkansas and participating in the
state's continued growth and development," said Chris Creager, chief administration officer of
Brightspeed. "Households and businesses, especially in our rural
communities, need high-quality internet connectivity they can rely
on, whether for working, learning, accessing healthcare, or growing
their businesses. Customers will be delighted with our simple,
intuitive user experience and state-of-the-art internet services
achievable only through an all-fiber network."
Brightspeed's 2022-23 build plan for Arkansas will bring faster, more reliable
internet and Wi-Fi solutions to over 40,000 residential and
business locations in markets within Arkansas, Benton, Desha, Lonoke, Monroe, Poinsett, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, and Yell counties.
"In addition to our initial build scope, we are thrilled about
the opportunity to work with stakeholders at state, county, and
city levels to further expand fiber-based broadband availability
through participation in the Arkansas Rural Connect program and
other broadband infrastructure initiatives," added Creager.
Arkansas State Representative Brian
Evans said, "I certainly appreciate this initiative as we
have worked tirelessly these last few years to increase broadband
access—especially in those rural areas where it is needed the most.
This will move Arkansas not only
from a business perspective, but from an educational perspective as
well. This will be especially important for our students whose
education and curriculum require a great deal of computer work at
home. I appreciate Brightspeed for their commitment to come into
Arkansas and invest."
The Arkansas 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
locations where fiber and advanced technology have not historically
been deployed.
Brightspeed is pioneering the latest technology innovations as
part of its large-scale network deployment, including the
implementation of XGS-PON, a next generation architecture capable
of symmetrical internet speeds exceeding 1Gbps, and Wi-Fi 6, the
latest wireless networking standard for superior reach and
performance within today's device-dense homes and offices.
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 early in the fourth quarter.
Brightspeed plans to announce additional state-specific network
build plans over the next several 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