ISP Roundup
July 2026
Race Communications begins work in Lodi, California, LiveOak Fiber announces a leadership reshuffle, and other broadband news.
By Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Here some recent broadband headlines from internet service providers (ISPs) in July 2026.
July 16, 2026
Race Communications kicks off construction in Lodi, California
Lodi, California, in San Joaquin County, is the next stop for an ambitious statewide network expansion effort by Race Communications.
Race Communications says 17,000 homes and businesses in the community are in line for access to the ISP’s fiber network.
“Lodi is a vibrant and growing community, and Race is proud to bring homes and businesses another reliable choice for high-speed fiber broadband,” said Jim Miller, the VP of government affairs for Race Communications.
In the ISP’s July 16 announcement, Miller also said the project would not have been possible without Race’s partnership with Lodi Electric Utility and Lodi Public Works.
“Their collaboration, professionalism, and shared commitment to serving the community have been instrumental in helping bring this investment to life,” Miller said. “We look forward to continuing our partnership as we help build a more connected future for the City of Lodi.”
Construction in the city is already underway, according to Race Communications.
LiveOak Fiber names 2 to board of directors
LiveOak Fiber has appointed Brian Stading and Richard Clark to their board of directors, the ISP announced July 16.
“Stading and Clark have built and scaled some of the nation’s most successful fiber providers, and they will help guide LiveOak Fiber through its next phase,” an announcement from the company stated.
The leadership reshuffle comes as founding member Jan Geldmacher steps down to pursue a new leadership opportunity, according to LiveOak.
Stading previously served as the CEO of Lumos. Clark, meanwhile, has spent the past decade leading expansion efforts at FirstLight, OTELCO, and GoNetspeed, where he was named CEO in 2021.
July 13, 2026
Stimulus Broadband announces fiber expansion in Pahrump, Nevada
More than 11,000 homes and businesses in Pahrump, Nevada will gain access to a fiber network operated by Stimulus Broadband, the ISP announced July 13.
Construction on the planned 500-mile network will begin soon, the ISP said, adding that the project is one of their largest to date.
“Reliable internet isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s essential infrastructure for how families connect, how students learn and how businesses grow,” said Nathan Whittacre, the CEO of Stimulus Technologies. “Building this fiber network in Pahrump is an investment in the community’s future, and we’re excited to deliver the speed and reliability that residents and businesses deserve.”
The company plans to celebrate the start of construction next month, on August 6 at the Bob Ruud Community Center with a 6 p.m. event.
“Community members, local leaders and members of the media are invited to attend to learn more about the project and what it means for the future of connectivity in the community,” the July 13 announcement from Stimulus stated.
July 9, 2026
Beverly slated for $17.5 million fiber expansion project by GoNetspeed
Symmetrical multi-gigabit internet speeds of up to 6 Gpbs will soon be delivered to over 10,500 homes and businesses in Beverly, GoNetspeed announced July 9.
The planned network expansion is part of GoNetspeed’s greater push in the Boston area. The provider also announced expansion plans for Quincy, on June 24, and Salem, on June 23.
“Upon completion, Beverly will join Amherst, Easthampton, Granby, Ludlow, Springfield and other Massachusetts communities already connected or preparing for service,” the provider’s July 9 announcement states.
Wire 3 begins lighting up network in Melbourne, Florida
A fiber-network expansion project by Wire 3 in Melbourne, Florida is officially connected to Wire 3’s larger network, the ISP announced Thursday.
Jai Ramachandran, the company’s CEO, said bringing Melbourne online is where Wire 3 finally sees their project begin to come to life.
“We’re rapidly building momentum across Florida, and each new activation brings us closer to delivering fast, reliable connectivity to more homes and businesses that not only deserve the best internet but rely on it every day,” Ramachandran said. “Melbourne will quickly transform through the power of connectivity as they become wired for good.”
Wire 3 said construction is continuing in the community.
July 8, 2026
Fresno eyed for fiber expansion project by Race Communications
Race Communications will begin construction in Fresno on an all-fiber internet network this fall, the ISP announced to Broadband Communities on Wednesday.
The expansion is also part of a broader effort by Race Communications in California. The ISP said they’ve invested more than $200 million into California in 2026 alone.
“Continuing to build on its statewide momentum, Race is pouring even more into the Central Valley and Fresno, initially bringing more than 38,000 homes and businesses access to an all-fiber network with symmetrical upload and download speeds,” the ISP’s announcement states.
Raul Alcaraz, the ISP’s CEO, said expanding into California’s fifth largest city was also a logical move for the company.
“As a hub for innovation in the Central Valley, it only made sense for Fresno to become our next step,” Alcaraz said. “Expanding into Fresno reflects our long‑term commitment to building future‑ready infrastructure where it’s needed. With our expansion to Fresno, we’re empowering tens of thousands through the speed, reliability, and bandwidth they need to grow, innovate, and stay connected.”
July 7, 2026
AT&T joins Connected Nation’s effort at world record
AT&T has joined an effort by Connected Nation to set a Guinness World Record for the longest internet literacy livestream.
The attempt, scheduled for September 24-25, will feature “25 consecutive hours of live, expert-led digital skills training. It will be accessible globally via live stream, according to Connected Nation’s July 7 release.
Mylayna Albright, who holds the VP of corporate responsibility title at AT&T, explained why the company felt it necessary to get involved.
“AT&T is committed to not only connecting people to high-speed internet but to ensuring they have the skills to use it meaningfully,” Albright said. “As Lead Collaborator for ’25 Hours. One Connected World,’ AT&T is proud to help build a future where every person has both the resources and the ability to thrive in a digital world.”
July 2, 2026
Vero Fiber finishes acquisition of Velocity Fiber
Velocity Fiber, which focused exclusively on the K-12 E-Rate market, has been acquired by Colorado-based Vero Fiber Networks.
Meanwhile, the deal’s finalization, announced July 2, represents a big move for Vero Fiber.
The ISP, based in Denver, also called the deal “a strategic investment in Vero’s foundational vertical, expanding its network and K-12 customer base.”
Velocity Fiber operates on a highly compatible infrastructure model, Vero’s release stated.
“The acquisition allows Vero to seamlessly integrate these private fiber networks into its larger operational framework without any friction or service disruption for existing clients,” their release also explained.
Customers of Velocity Fiber, meanwhile, will continue to receive uninterrupted service, Vero Fiber said.
Mediacom’s SVP of customer service slated to retire
Mediacom Communications announced Thursday that Jonathan Coscia will be retiring in September.
He leaves after nearly two decades of distinguished service and leadership, the ISP announced.
“Since joining Mediacom in 2007, Coscia has played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s customer service operations and enhancing the overall customer experience,” Mediacom’s July 2 release stated. “Throughout his tenure, he helped build and lead a high-performing customer care organization that has consistently delivered industry-leading service and support to customers across Mediacom’s 22-state service footprint.”
July 1, 2026
Conexon Connect completes another FTTH network in Georgia
A new fiber network built in partnership with Alma, Georgia-based Satilla REMC now reaches 39,500 members across Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Brantley, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Pierce, Ware and Wayne counties.
Conexon Connect announced the network’s completion July 1. It represents their ninth finished fiber-to-the-home network finished in partnership with electric co-ops in Georgia, the ISP said.
In total, the network spans 5,200 fiber miles, making it also the ISPs largest in Georgia.
“Completing this build represents real impact, bringing dependable high-speed internet service to families, farms and businesses across Satilla REMC’s communities,” said Randy Klindt, Conexon founding partner and Conexon Connect‘s co-CEO. “We’re honored to be a partner in the mission to transform connectivity for Satilla members while furthering our own mission to serve rural America.”
Wire 3 announces $38 million investment in Warner Robins and Centerville
A fully funded $38 million investment will extend access to 38,000 locations in the Georgia communities of Warner Robins and Centerville, Wire 3 announced July 1.
Both communities, located in Houston County, will see construction begin shortly.
Elsewhere in the state, Wire 3 is continuing fiber network construction in Albany and Macon, where the ISP has invested nearly $100 million, their announcement stated.
“The response we’ve received in Georgia has been tremendous, and we’re excited to continue growing just to the south in Warner Robins and Centerville,” said Jai Ramachandran, Wire 3 CEO. “It’s clear residents and businesses are eager for internet that keeps pace, and with strong momentum behind us, we’re ready and eager to expand that connectivity to two more Georgia communities.
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