Columbia part of $100M investment from fiber optic company

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Lumos, a 100% fiber optic internet and total home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic, has received franchise approval in the cities of Columbia, West Columbia and Irmo.

With these agreements in hand, Lumos will deploy the equipment necessary to provide the region with access to its high-speed fiber-optic network, a Lumos news release stated. As part of the franchise agreement, Lumos will also provide free, high-speed internet service to select public parks and recreational areas in Columbia and Irmo.

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Lumos initially announced its expansion into South Carolina with a $100 million investment in Richland and Lexington Counties to build over 1,200 miles of fiber optic technology, according to the release. These franchise agreements, combined with the previously announced investment, will facilitate Lumos’ reliable, high-speed internet access to many unserved and underserved residents and provide an added boost to economic development in the area.

“We are thrilled to advance our fiber optic infrastructure in the Greater Columbia area,” said Brian Stading, CEO of Lumos, in the release. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the ongoing support from state and local representatives to expand our lightning-fast fiber internet services. At Lumos, we are committed to building a 100% Fiber Optic infrastructure that serves South Carolinians for decades to come.”

This franchise approval has received widespread support from community leaders and highlights Lumos’ rapid regional development and ambitious growth, the release stated. Lumos is committed to bridging the digital divide and is proud to serve many public parks and recreational facilities with ultra-fast fiber internet access through this partnership with the Greater Columbia area.