Texas Invests $58 Million in Lyte Fiber for High-Speed Internet Expansion

Texas Invests in Broadband Access

In a significant move to improve internet connectivity in rural areas, the State of Texas has announced a funding initiative dedicating approximately $57.8 million to Lyte Fiber, LLC. This funding is essential for expanding high-speed broadband access in the underserved Marion and Navarro Counties. As part of the Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program, this grant will facilitate the connection of over 6,750 homes and businesses that currently face challenges in accessing reliable internet services.

The announcement highlights Texas's commitment to bridging the digital divide, ensuring that its rural populations receive equal opportunities to benefit from modern internet services. Greg Conte, the Director of the Texas Broadband Development Office, emphasized that this investment isn't just about laying down fiber optic cables. Instead, it represents a commitment to fostering economic growth, improving educational opportunities, enhancing healthcare access, and promoting a better quality of life across Texas, particularly in regions that have been historically underserved.

Lyte Fiber, headquartered in Houston, plans to allocate more than $11 million of its own capital towards this endeavor and will be installing over 900 miles of fiber infrastructure throughout Marion and Navarro Counties. This collaborative funding approach is seen as a vital strategy to deliver affordable and high-quality fiber connectivity to the thousands of residents in these areas who have long awaited a reliable internet service.

In his remarks, Carter Old, CEO of Lyte Fiber, reiterated the company's commitment to developing transformative, high-speed internet infrastructure that is future-proof and capable of meeting the evolving needs of Texans. He stated that partnering with the state on this project not only serves local communities but also enhances Texas's competitive edge in the 21st-century economy.

The funding derives from the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) and the Texas Broadband Infrastructure Fund, which was approved by voters in 2023 to enhance digital accessibility statewide. The BOOT Program—administered by the Texas Comptroller's Broadband Development Office—has been designed as a competitive grant initiative aimed at delivering fast and affordable broadband to communities in need.

Lyte Fiber’s initiative is more than just an infrastructure project—it embodies a holistic approach to improving residents' lives. By providing reliable, gigabit-speed internet, residents and businesses alike will gain access to new resources and opportunities that can significantly impact local and regional economies.

Founded in 2023, Lyte Fiber’s mission has been to deliver fast and dependable fiber optic internet across Texas. The company collaborates with SDC Capital Partners, a leading figure in digital infrastructure investment, driven by a passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences and improved connectivity. As part of its commitment to the communities it serves, Lyte Fiber also pledges 1% of its profits to local charities annually, reinforcing its dedication to social responsibility.

In conclusion, the investment by the State of Texas into Lyte Fiber marks a pivotal moment for digital transformation in the area. This initiative not only aims to lay essential infrastructure but also seeks to uplift the communities by leveling the playing field and creating a connected future for all Texans. By prioritizing high-speed internet access, Texas is taking significant strides towards ensuring that all its residents can thrive in an increasingly digital world.