U.S. cable MSO Midco has announced it will spend $30 million on its new “Fiber Forward” fiber to the home (FTTH) initiative. The service provider expects to bring fiber-based 10G capabilities to Lawrence, KS, and surrounding communities via fiber deployments through the end of 2025.
The FTTH roll out will reach more than 65,000 homes and businesses, Midco predicts. Deployments will begin this year in Basehor, Eudora, and Lawrence.
“Fiber Forward is an investment in Kansans. This transformative fiber upgrade will benefit the many folks we serve,” said Midco President and COO Tom McAdaragh. “It will provide fast symmetrical speeds, low latency, unmatched reliability, and rock-solid security. Telehealth professionals, online learners, entrepreneurs, gamers, and so many more will benefit from Fiber Forward.”
"Investment in broadband infrastructure is vital to expanding our communities and growing our local economies. It's simply unacceptable for households in Kansas, especially those in our rural communities, to lack access to reliable high-speed internet. We must do everything we can to provide Kansans with the broadband services they need to succeed," added Rep. Jake LaTurner. "This crucial funding from Midco through their Fiber Forward investment program will help close the digital divide and connect thousands of Kansans to the rest of the world."
"Education is part of Lawrence’s fabric. From higher education to preschool, broadband is essential for learning,” said Lawrence Mayor Courtney Shipley. “This investment from Midco will help make broadband more accessible for all learners and continue to close the digital divide.”
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.