PODCAST: Lightcurve differentiates its fiber service with a local feel
Lightcurve’s evolution as a fiber broadband provider represents the can-do attitude inherent in the independent ILEC industry. Formerly known as Rainier Connect, the company was originally founded in 1910 and has over 110 years of regional history. Based in Tacoma, WA, Lightcurve has served Washington for more than 110 years. It offers high-speed internet, Stream TV, voice, and other business connectivity solutions serving Tacoma, Eatonville, Centralia, Chehalis, and Graham.
One of the key developments in Lightcurve’s recent history took place in 2023 when Palisade Infrastructure purchased Rainier Connect, after which it changed its name to Lightcurve. At the time, the company said changing its name to Lightcurve marked the next chapter of its journey and the beginning of significant investments in fiber-optic internet infrastructure.
In this Broadband Pulse podcast interview, we caught up with Beth Barnes, VP of Marketing and Consumer Sales for Lightcurve, to talk about the service provider’s rich history and its commitment to being a local fiber service provider for the consumers and businesses it serves.
Here’s a timeline of the episode:
Opening/Introduction | 0:03
Lightcurve’s fiber broadband evolution | 0:23
Barnes talks about how Lightcurve, formerly Rainier Connect, transitioned from a traditional independent ILEC founded in 1910 that served the Pacific Northwest to a fiber broadband provider.
The pace of Lightcurve’s fiber transition | 1:50
Being an ILEC, it continues to transition its copper and HFC networks to fiber.
Prioritizing fiber builds | 2:35
Lightcurve will consider various factors, including the return on investment, customer affordability, permitting, and serving new and existing communities.
Community outreach | 4:32
Barnes noted it approaches not only the residents, but also the community’s leaders when they set a new service target.
Lightcurve’s main 2026 highlights | 5:59
The service provider has built out about 10,000 new fiber locations in both new and existing communities in both central and western Washington.
Serving up an 8 Gbps and higher speed tiers | 7:13
How offering 8 gig is a statement in the market that can do as much as, or more than, its competitors.
Service targets | 8:01
Lightcurve continues to serve a mix of single-family and multi-dwelling unit (MDUs) in the market it serves.
Fiber workforce | 9:21
Lightcurve manages a group of outside contractors for its fiber builds.
Competitive differentiation | 10:03
With all broadband providers touting reliability, price, and speed, LightCurve focuses on its local community roots.
Business services | 12:34
Barnes talks about how Lightcurve’s fiber drive is enabling it to offer a broader set of services to local business customers.
Lightcurve's digital equity partnership program | 14:17
Through its public-private partnership with the City of Tacoma’s Click network, Lightcurve provides free internet to organizations that have access to or provide services to low-income or underserved members of the community.
Philanthropic investments | 15:19
The impact of Lightcurve’s recently announced series of philanthropic investments to support economic growth in downtown communities in Central and Western Washington.
Final thoughts/closing | 16:15
Beth Barnes shares her closing thoughts and how Lightcurve plans to continue to expand its fiber broadband presence in existing and new communities.
Meet our guest
Beth Barnes joined Lightcurve as Vice President of Marketing and Consumer Sales in 2024. She came to the Lightcurve team from Alaska Communications, where she spent over a decade in various leadership roles, most recently as Vice President of Mass Markets and Marketing. Lightcurve is making significant investments in fiber broadband combined with excellence in customer service and a deep commitment to the communities it serves. Beth helps drive Lightcurve’s mission by focusing on customer engagement and experience, positioning Lightcurve as the internet provider of choice at home and at work in all the communities it serves. Beth is passionate about community involvement. She currently serves on the Boards for Junior Achievement Alaska and the Alaska Manufacturing Extension Partnership and was previously a member of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation’s Investor Council. She holds an MBA in business from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and a BSBA in Marketing from Drake University.
About the Podcast
In the Lightwave Broadband Pulse podcast, we address the key issues affecting the optical and broadband industry segments. Join us every week for insights from industry leaders on these topics. Visit our website at www.lightwave.com and click on our podcast site at www.broadbandpulse.podbean.com.
About the Author
Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategy of Lightwave across its website, email newsletters, events, and other information products.
