US fiber broadband and home Wi-Fi provider Lumos announced its expansion into Kentucky with a nearly USD 150 million investment to build over 1,300 miles of network infrastructure in parts of Jefferson County and Louisville. Lumos said it is constructing a 100 percent fiber optic network designed to last for the next 50 years.
Also Read: Lumos Announces USD 230 Million Fiber-Optic Expansion into Ohio
Key Areas of Network Development
"We are rapidly growing, and this investment in Kentucky represents our commitment to expanding service in underserved communities," said Brian Stading, CEO of Lumos. "At Lumos, our mission is to ensure that communities have access to fast and reliable internet, and we're proud to be the first fiber provider in many of the areas we're expanding into."
According to Lumos, this expansion will bring fiber-optic internet to communities in Louisville and Jefferson County, including Jeffersontown, Saint Matthews, Shively, Lyndon, Middletown, Douglas Hills, Hurstbourne, Prospect, Graymoor-Devondale, Anchorage, and other areas in the Louisville Metro.
Additionally, Grace Simrall has been appointed as Kentucky Director of Market Development. Simrall, who previously served as Chief of Civic Innovation and Technology for Louisville Metro Government, has a background in digital infrastructure, the company noted.
Engineering Timeline
Engineering work in the Louisville Metro area will begin in the second half of 2024, and residents will be notified by mail when engineering and construction commence, Lumos said.
Also Read: Lumos to Expand Fiber Network in Wayne County, North Carolina
Sustainability and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
In other news, Lumos announced its commitment to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 2030, based on 2022 levels.
By 2030, Lumos has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42 percent, scope 3 capital goods GHG emissions by 51.6 percent per foot of fiber installed and scope 3 GHG emissions from downstream leased assets by 51.6 percent per customer.
In 2023, Lumos secured USD 1.1 billion in sustainability-linked financing to support its fiber expansion in the Mid-Atlantic.
