Brightspeed expands rural network connectivity projects

NORTHEAST WIS. – Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber broadband builder, announced a major milestone in its Wisconsin expansion — 30% of the company’s planned fiber network projects in the state are now complete.

More than 67,000 homes and businesses already have access to Brightspeed Fiber Internet, with an additional 146,000 locations planned statewide as construction continues.

As Wisconsin communities prepare for the next era of technology, fiber is becoming essential infrastructure. The growth of AI-powered tools, connected devices, cloud-based applications, remote work, telehealth and online learning is driving demand for faster, more consistent internet connections that can handle more data, in more directions, at the same time.

Legacy copper networks helped connect communities for decades, but they were built for a different era centered on basic phone service, email and lighter internet use. Fiber delivers smoother video conferencing, faster uploads of photos, videos and large work files, stronger support for telehealth visits, better performance for cloud-based business tools and a stronger foundation for the AI-driven applications that are becoming part of everyday life.

Brightspeed’s fiber network is now fully complete in Marinette, Oconto, Wausaukee and Goodman, giving residents and businesses in those communities access to fast and reliable connectivity.

Brightspeed is investing in Wisconsin because the company believes communities across the state deserve broadband infrastructure that can support growth for decades to come. By expanding fiber deeper into rural and underserved areas, Brightspeed is helping close connectivity gaps, strengthen local economies and ensure residents and businesses have access to the same kind of high-quality internet service available in larger markets.

As construction continues across the state, Brightspeed representatives are engaging with communities to help families and businesses understand fiber connectivity and get connected. Teams will be visiting Marinette, Oconto and Wausaukee.

Residents may see Brightspeed trucks and crews working in neighborhoods and along local roads as the company continues expanding its fiber network.

Residents can expect trained Brightspeed representatives in branded apparel presenting clear information on fiber availability, plans and benefits to expand fast, reliable affordable internet where quality options have been limited

“We’re not just building a network; we’re building relationships,” said Tshacha Romeo, director of sales channel at Brightspeed.

“By connecting with people face to face, we can answer questions, share what’s possible with fiber and help communities make the most of this investment. Fiber is built for how people live and work today and for where technology is headed next. As AI, cloud applications and connected devices become more common in everyday life, Wisconsin communities need infrastructure that can keep up.”

Brightspeed’s Wisconsin expansion is supported by nearly $138.3 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding, which will enable construction to more than 44,000 additional locations, along with $4.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to reach another 7,100 locations. These investments complement Brightspeed’s significant private commitment to expanding fiber access across the state.

For more information, visit www.brightspeed.com.