CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Brightspeed on Thursday announced that the company’s fiber network build in Ohio is nearly 65% complete.
Brightspeed’s fiber internet is now available to more than 350,000 homes and businesses across Ohio. The company plans to reach approximately 200,000 additional locations across the state as construction continues, a news release states.
“Ohio’s fiber future is taking shape, and this milestone shows the scale and speed of Brightspeed’s commitment,” said Tom Simone, Brightspeed government affairs and community relations manager. “With more than 350,000 homes and businesses now able to access Brightspeed fiber internet, we are delivering the kind of reliable, high-speed connectivity that helps communities compete, businesses grow and families fully participate in today’s digital world.”
Brightspeed fiber internet is now 100% complete and available in the following Ohio communities: Ada, Apple Creek, Archbold, Bucyrus, Butler, Cygnet, Defiance, Eldorado, Gettysburg, Holgate, Johnstown, Killbuck, Kinsman, Liberty Center, Lorain, Lucas, Madisonburg, Millersburg, Morrow, Mount Gilead, Napoleon, Orrville, Ottawa, Sheffield Lake, Shreve, South Amherst, Stryker, Vermilion, Wauseon and Wooster.
As construction continues, Brightspeed representatives are visiting communities across the state to help residents and businesses understand fiber availability, service options and the benefits of upgrading to fiber internet, the release states.
“Fiber changes what is possible for a community, but only when people know it is available and understand how it can serve them,” said Tshacha Romeo, director of sales channel at Brightspeed. “Our teams are going door to door to make that connection personal, helping residents and businesses see how Brightspeed fiber internet can support the way they work, learn, connect and grow.”
Brightspeed’s Ohio fiber build combines private investment with state and federal broadband funding designed to expand high-speed internet access in underserved and unserved areas.
Brightspeed’s Ohio expansion is supported by more than $17 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding, which will help the company build to approximately 6,200 additional locations. Brightspeed also received nearly $16.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to add approximately 8,300 locations across the state.