Brightspeed, a leading player in the fiber broadband construction realm, has announced a remarkable achievement: securing over $238 million in grants at local, state, and federal levels. This major funding milestone marks a pivotal development in the company’s mission to enhance internet connectivity in underserved rural and suburban communities. Recently, Brightspeed received its first award from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program in Louisiana, which is set to catalyze its network expansion.
With a solid commitment to fostering connectivity, Brightspeed's financial support is allocated strategically across 14 different states, aiming to connect nearly 121,000 locations. CEO Tom Maguire expressed the company’s ambition: "When we launched the company in 2022, we made a multi-billion-dollar commitment to reach more than four million homes and businesses in our footprint. We are on pace to achieve our initial goal, and every grant award allows us to go even further."
A closer look reveals that an impressive portion of the funds—approximately $180 million—will benefit North Carolina, providing connectivity for more than 80,000 homes and businesses. Other states receiving funding include:
- - South Carolina: Over $3.8 million for nearly 5,200 locations
- - Wisconsin: Around $11.9 million for 8,400 locations
- - Texas: About $2.3 million aimed at connecting nearly 5,000 homes
- - Virginia: $5.6 million allocated for 3,500 connections
- - Tennessee: $6.8 million for 2,800 connections
- - Indiana: More than $5.5 million funding for 3,300 locations
In addition, funding from the BEAD program, part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, aims to address the digital divide by making high-speed internet more accessible in regions that have historically lacked reliable services. With the BEAD program providing $42.5 billion specifically for broadband infrastructure improvement, Brightspeed is in a prime position to leverage these funds toward significant network enhancement.
The technological advancements accompanying this funding are also noteworthy. Brightspeed plans to deploy cutting-edge XGS-PON technology within their fiber network, providing users with multi-gigabit internet speeds and improved low-latency connections.
"Internet connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity," emphasizes Pamela Sherwood, Vice President at Brightspeed. She highlighted the critical importance of expanding access to reliable internet, stating that the support from grants and subsidies enables families and enterprises to thrive in today’s interconnected world, facilitating work, education, telemedicine, and more.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Brightspeed operates throughout 20 states, providing its advanced broadband and telecommunication services to over 6.5 million homes and businesses. This recent funding achievement represents not only a boost for the company's infrastructure but also a broader commitment to creating a digitally inclusive future. As Brightspeed moves forward, their goal is clear: to connect more communities and foster an environment where everyone has the tools necessary to lead a connected life.
For additional details about their initiatives and services, visit
Brightspeed's official website.