HOUSTON, Oct. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Houston-based Lyte Fiber, LLC (“Lyte”) has been preliminarily awarded $142 million by the State of Texas – the third-largest award in the program – to expand high-speed fiber internet to thousands of unserved and underserved locations across seven counties, outpacing bids from some of the nation’s biggest carriers.
The grant award includes $119 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding and $23 million from the Texas Match Assistance Program (TMAP), provided by the state’s Broadband Infrastructure Fund, a voter-approved initiative to expand broadband statewide.
The program, administered by the Texas Broadband Development Office under the Office of the Comptroller, drew more than 4,000 applications with an average of six competing projects per service area. Only 22 applicants were selected.
“We are honored that the State of Texas chose Lyte for these critical community investments,” said Carter Old, CEO of Lyte Fiber. “Our technical, operational, and managerial capabilities set us apart, and we are proud to work with the state as a true partner in closing the digital divide. With projects already underway in 15 markets across Texas, these grant award areas are a natural extension of the work we’re already doing – and we can’t wait to get started.”
Lyte will invest an additional $40 million privately to expand the reach of its BEAD projects, reinforcing its commitment to long-term broadband infrastructure in Texas.
The preliminary awarded projects span Bee, Cass, Harris, Kleberg, Marion, Navarro, and San Patricio counties, connecting nearly 9,700 homes, businesses, and community anchor institutions, such as schools, health clinics, and public safety entities. Approximately 96 percent of the locations will be connected to a 100 percent fiber-optic network delivering speeds up to 10 Gbps. The network will support small businesses, students, healthcare providers, and first responders with future-ready connectivity.
“This investment represents the power of public-private partnership at its best,” said Marc Eichenbaum, Lyte’s VP of Government Affairs and Community Development. “By combining federal, state, and private resources, we’re delivering the infrastructure Texans need to thrive in today’s economy. Every connection we build strengthens a community – helping families, students, and small businesses unlock new opportunities.”
This latest award follows the nearly $58 million Lyte received earlier this year through the State’s Bringing Online Opportunities to Texas (BOOT) II Program, further establishing the company as one of Texas’ fastest-growing broadband providers.
With significant backing from SDC Capital’s $2.1 billion Digital Infrastructure Opportunity Fund IV and an executive team with over 150 years of telecom experience, Lyte is poised to deliver enduring broadband solutions designed to last.
For more details, visit www.lytefiber.com or call 888-GET-LYTE (888-438-5983).
