Vexus Fiber said today that it will build a symmetrical gigabit FTTH network in Lake Charles, Sulphur and Westlake, Louisiana. The projects will provide access to more than 40,000 homes and businesses in the communities.
Vexus says it will fully fund the $50 million project and that construction will begin during the first quarter of next year. Some addresses will have access during 2022, though the project will take three years to complete.
The company will add 75 construction jobs and between 35 and 40 permanent positions. Vexus will open a local storefront during the next year.
Vexus now operates FTTH networks in networks in the Louisiana communities of Hammond, Covington and Mandeville. It is active in the Texas communities of Lubbock, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, Abilene and surrounding areas. The company is also building new networks in Tyler, the Rio Grande Valley and San Angelo, TX.
The expansions are being financed by investment in Vexus from Pamlico Capital and Oak Hill Capital.
“Gigabit speeds are becoming additionally important as more people work remotely or need access to education and other online applications,” Vexus CEO Jim Gleason said in a press release. “Vexus’ fiber network will provide homes and businesses with a new, competitive choice for internet and entertainment. We are building the network of the future to help foster additional growth and economic development for the area.”
The networks in San Angelo and the Rio Grande Valley were announced this summer.
In San Angelo, Vexus said it is building a 10G-capable network that will give businesses access to TeleCloud hosted voice solutions and TV packages tailored to all types of businesses. Residential customers will have access to phone and all digital TV services.
The Rio Grande Valley project, in which Vexus will invest $200 million, will pass almost 175,000 homes and businesses in Mission, McAllen, Edinburg, Harlingen and the surrounding areas.
NTS Communications does business as Vexus Fiber. Last month, NTS and Poka Lambro Telecommunications entered into a definitive agreement under which the latter agreed to purchase assets and operations in the West Texas communities of Brownfield, Lamesa, Ropesville, Wilson and Meadow. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
