Brightspeed says that it is bringing its symmetrical multi-gigabit fiber broadband platform to Kansas. The company says that it will pass more than 10,000 addresses by the end of next year and 45,000 in subsequent years.
The initial build will be in Brown, Johnson and Miami counties. The networks will feature XGS-PON technology and include Wi-Fi 6.
Brightspeed’s methodical announcements – this is the thirteenth – are predicated on finalization of the deal under which Apollo-managed funds will acquire Lumen ILEC operations and associated assets in 20 states. The deal has been approved by each state. A final okay from the FCC is expected this quarter and the deal is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter.
Brightspeed says that the Kansas network will build on 5,000 passings it will acquire from Lumen Technologies. The company says that it will evaluate state and federal broadband infrastructure grants as a way to add to the total number of passings.
In addition to Kansas, Brightspeed has announced its intentions in South Carolina, Arkansas, North Carolina, Virginia, Texas, Alabama, Ohio, Louisiana, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Tennessee.
According to Telecompetitor calculations, Brightspeed so far has committed to offering its services to about 2.73 million broadband addresses, with approximately 1.104 million addresses by the end of next year and 1.625 million addresses in subsequent years.
Brightspeed says it will spend $2 billion to bring service to about 3 million addresses during the next five years. Assuming that the company has plans to deploy networks in all 20 markets, it appears that it is on pace to surpass the 3 million address target.
Earlier this week, Brightspeed said that it would bring service to 50,000 addresses in South Carolina. The first phase would focus on 14,000 address in Beaufort County by the end of 2023, with the balance in subsequent years
