The Buildout is a column from Light Reading tracking broadband network deployments. This week we're tracking new construction and service launches reaching over 200,000 locations across the US. Send us your news at [email protected]. Keep up with every installment of The Buildout here.
Hawaiian Telcom fiber build 'nearing completion'
Hawaiian Telcom, the incumbent service provider for Hawaii, said it is on track to make Hawaii the first fully fiber enabled state by the end of 2026. In a press release, the company said its $1.7 billion, decade-long fiber expansion effort will be completed next year. The expansion has been supported with $107 million in federal and state funding "from various broadband infrastructure programs," according to Hawaiian Telcom. Currently, Hawaiian Telcom's network reaches over 400,000 homes and businesses (roughly 60% of the state), as per company figures. The remaining areas still to be constructed include homes and businesses on Kaua'i (to be completed in February 2025) and Maui (by the end of 2025). O'ahu and Hawaii Island's fiber transformation will be completed "by late 2026," said the company. There are over 570,000 housing units throughout Hawaii, according to the latest Census data. Hawaiian Telcom was acquired by altafiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell) in 2018, which was then acquired by Macquarie Asset Management in 2021.
Brightspeed live in Mansfield, Ohio
Brightspeed launched its fiber broadband services in Mansfield, Ohio. The company now reaches more than 15,000 homes and businesses in the region, with plans to ultimately connect 26,000 Mansfield locations once full construction is complete. Last week, Brightspeed announced that it has thus far been awarded $238 million in federal, state and local broadband funding, to reach 121,000 locations in 14 states. That includes $12.3 million in Ohio to connect 5,900 homes and businesses.
Conexon Connect brings fiber to Irwin EMC
Conexon Connect has completed work to build a 1,650-mile fiber network in partnership with Irwin EMC in Ocilla, Georgia. The project, which was announced in 2021, now connects all 8,400 Irwin EMC members across eight counties. The project marks Conexon Connect's fifth completed network in Georgia, and seventh completed network overall.
More Comporium connectivity in South Carolina
Comporium launched its fiber network for more than 850 homes and businesses in York and Chester Counties, South Carolina; specifically, in regions in and around McConnells, Catawba, Clover, York and Edgemoor, according to a press release. The $5.2 million project had partial funding from the state's share of American Rescue Plan funds, alongside Comporium's private investment (Comporium was awarded $51.9 million in American Rescue Plan funds via South Carolina's broadband office in December 2023). This project saw Comporium deploy "over 64 miles of fiber-optic network" during the last few months, according to the company.
Fidium Fiber kicks off new construction in New Hampshire and Maine
Fidium Fiber is starting 2025 with a range of new construction in the Northeast. In New Hampshire, the company said it would start construction as soon as this week ("with exact start dates varying by location") to expand to multiple regions, including Francestown (650 homes and businesses) and Pittsfield (3,000 homes and businesses); as well as in several Sullivan County towns, including Croydon, Grantham, Goshen and Newport, and parts of Lempster and Sunapee (8,400 homes and businesses). In Maine, Fidium Fiber said it would also start construction beginning this week to expand its network to Lincoln County, including the towns of Wiscasset, Whitefield and Edgecomb, as well as parts of Alna and Westport Island (8,300 homes and businesses). Fidium Fiber construction was also set to begin in Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro, Maine (2,100 homes and businesses).
Metronet expands in Illinois and Texas
Metronet launched its network for residents of Killeen, Texas. The company began construction in the region in spring 2024 and its service is now available in initial construction areas with more neighborhoods to follow. In Illinois, Metronet announced plans to start construction soon on a "multimillion-dollar" fiber network in Round Lake. Initial customers are expected to receive service "by early summer." Metronet is funded by KKR and Oak Hill Capital. Last year, KKR and T-Mobile announced a joint venture to acquire Metronet, with Oak Hill Capital expected to retain a minority position.
First customers in Easthampton get GoNetspeed
GoNetspeed has launched services in initial construction areas of Easthampton, Massachusetts. The company is investing $3.6 million in the region to connect more than 9,000 homes and businesses. GoNetspeed first announced this project in May 2023 with plans to launch initial services in early 2024, at the time. GoNetspeed is funded by Oak Hill Capital.
Comcast construction in Coral Springs; connections in Kingsland
Comcast is in the process of expanding its network in Coral Springs, Florida. According to a press release, the company broke ground in 2024 on a "multi-million-dollar" buildout that will bring its service to "thousands of homes and businesses." For those local to the area, the company's construction is currently ongoing "near NW 49th Pl. and NW 89th Ter. and will continue up and down Westview Dr. and 86th Way." Comcast construction will start next "between Coral Ridge Dr. and Coral Springs Dr., south of W Sample Rd. and north of Royal Palm Blvd.," according to the company.
Over in Georgia, Comcast also announced that it activated its network for "thousands" of homes and businesses in the city of Kingsland, where the company invested $7 million.
Traveling north, Comcast also launched its network for 1,000 homes and businesses in Upper Saucon, Pennsylvania, in Lehigh County, as part of an expansion to ultimately reach more than 7,000 locations in the area. Work has been ongoing in the region since mid-2024, according to a prior announcement from the township.
All West expands in Morgan County, Utah
All West Communications announced that it completed its fiber buildout in Croydon, Utah: an unincorporated community in Morgan County. The project, a collaboration with the Utah Broadband Center (UBC), which saw All West extend its existing network with four miles of mainline fiber, now brings connectivity to 50 Croydon homes and businesses. The Croydon project was funded with a $15 million Utah Broadband Access Grant, allocated via the US Treasury Department's capital projects fund.
Hiawatha Broadband Communications (HBC) is in the process of expanding its Flight Fiber network in Farmington, Minnesota. According to a press release, the company has now expanded to 2,300 new locations, bringing its total homes and businesses served to 6,000. As part of the $8 million project, HBC is also in the process of deploying free Wi-Fi to 20 of the city's 29 parks. HBC was acquired by Schurz Communications in 2017.