Midco’s Fiber Forward program will bring 10 Gbps capable fiber broadband service to areas of South Dakota, the regional cable MSO announced yesterday. Midco plans to invest $500 million in the project.
The network expansion will eventually reach more than 150,000 residences and businesses over the next few years, Midco says. The first step is providing the service to Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities, which will begin this year.
“Fiber Forward is an investment in people. This transformative fiber upgrade will benefit the many folks that we serve,” Midco President and CEO Pat McAdaragh said in a press release. “Two years ago, we announced our vision to bring 10G to everyone. It will provide fast symmetrical speeds, low latency, unmatched reliability, and rock-solid security. After much research and testing, we’re set to deploy a mix of next gen fiber technologies to our customers.”
Midco serves 460,000 homes and business in 400 communities in Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The regional cable MSO already offers fiber services in some markets, and also offers fixed wireless service.
Earlier this year in March, Midco outlined a fiber expansion in Minnesota. The company has been aggressive in offering gigabit capable services both through fiber and through its DOCSIS-based cable footprint. A web search on Midco.com found gigabit service offered at a promotional price of $75, discounted from its normal price of $99.
Midco has made several other announcements this year. Most recently, in April it announced a partnership with the Connect SD Broadband program to bring high speed broadband to underserved areas of rural Lincoln County. The the project is utilizing funds from the CARES Act, which was passed by the federal government to help communities deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
