Less than 10 months after Lumos publicized their initial South Carolina investment, the Virginia-based telecommunications provider has announced they are deploying resources to build out a fiber-optic network in the state.

The company, in a post on their website, said they recently gained franchise approvals in Columbia, West Columbia, and Irmo. As a result, Lumos said they will now deploy “the equipment necessary to provide the region with access to its high-speed fiber optic network.”

 

Lumos has plans to build 1,200 miles of fiber-optic network in South Carolina, which the provider announced after making a $100 million capital investment in January. 

Lumos CEO Brian Stading said the acquired franchise agreements are “a testament to the ongoing support from state and local representatives.”

 

As a stipulation to their franchise agreements, Lumos said they will also provide high-speed internet to select public parks and recreational areas in Columbia and Irmo at no cost.

 

He said Lumos is “committed to building a 100 percent fiber-optic infrastructure that serves South Carolinians for decades to come.” 

 

In January, Stading said the company’s fiber optic expansion will reach underserved areas of South Carolina. Lumos previously listed Forest Acres and Arcadia Lakes in Richland County, as well as Lexington, Cayce, and Springdale in Lexington County, as other communities where they intend to expand their fiber-optic network.

 

Local leaders are hopeful that the new infrastructure will keep the Columbia area economically competitive. 

 

“This partnership will catapult us across the digital divide and keep us competitive in terms of economic development,” said Overture Walker, the Richland County Council Chairman, after the company’s initial investment into the Columbia region.

 

Scott Whetstone, the chairman of Lexington County’s council, previously said internet access is a necessity in today’s society.

 

“With Lumos expanding its broadband services in Lexington County, our residents and local businesses will benefit,” he said. “We are happy to see Lumos continue their work to provide high-speed internet access to Lexington County residents.”

 

South Carolina will become the third state where Lumos operates. Lumos currently serves over a quarter million homes and businesses in North Carolina and Virginia, according to the company’s website.