A Charlotte based broadband company, Brightspeed, has announced plans to build a fiber optic network in North Carolina that will include Columbus County. It expects to have the project completed by the end of 2023.
Brightspeed will install over 300,000 connections in portions of more than 30 counties in the first phase of construction in the state. An additional 500,000 connections are expected to be added in years to coming totaling up to 800,000 enabled locations across North Carolina.
“High quality broadband has never been more important, whether for work, education, telemedicine, entertainment, or simply staying connected,” said Tom Maguire, chief operating officer of Brightspeed.
The business is expected to have assets and associated operations in 20 states. It will provide broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than six million homes and businesses.
Brightspeed’s operating territory will serve mainly rural and suburban regions of the county. The company plans to invest at least $2 billion in its fiber optics expansion, so within the next five years, Maguire said, many locations that are normally out range to receive services will have improved internet access.
The build plan will include Columbus as well as Alamance, Beaufort, Bertie, Camden, Carteret, Chatham, Craven, Cumberland, Dare, Duplin, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Granville, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Lenoir, Martin, Moore, Nash, Onslow, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Pitt, Randolph, Rockingham, Sampson, Vance, and Wilson counties.
The company will also be working to evaluate areas for consideration for North Carolina’s GREAT and CAB grants that provide assistance to low-income families to be able to afford broadband services.
“We are impressed by the transparency and effectiveness of the state’s grant program and look forward to participating in a major way to bring even more fiber-based internet access to those who will benefit the most,” said Maguire.
Brightspeed will not be merging with Focus Broadband (formally ATMC), Maguire said. The companies will be offering services separately. More information regarding the plans will be released in the weeks ahead. For more information about the company, go to www.brightspeed.com.
