Connecting Missouri: Brightspeed Expands Access and Strengthens Communities

As the broadband leader builds its high-speed internet network across the Show Me State, it's strengthening communities through bold investments and local partnerships

CHARLOTTE, N.C., May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brightspeed, the nation's third-largest fiber broadband builder, is celebrating the expansion of its reliable, high-speed fiber network now available to more than 200,000 Missouri homes and businesses and its additional investment of more than $1.1 million to support the communities and organizations it serves across the state. The internet provider continues construction of its new, super-fast fiber internet network in and around the state. Once completed, Brightspeed's network will reach a total of more than 310,000 fiber-enabled locations across its Missouri footprint.

"At Brightspeed, our multi-billion-dollar investment in fiber infrastructure is not just about delivering faster internet—it's about creating long-term value for the communities we serve and for our stakeholders," said Brightspeed CEO Tom Maguire. "We see broadband as a catalyst for economic development, job creation and innovation. That's why we're equally focused on strategic community investments that strengthen local ecosystems, drive digital inclusion, and support sustainable growth across our footprint including Missouri."

As part of that commitment, Maguire recently met with Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe to discuss the critical role high-speed broadband plays in the state's economic growth, education, and quality of life. The two leaders explored opportunities to further strengthen public-private partnerships and ensure connectivity reaches even the most hard-to-reach areas.

Empowering Missouri with More Than Just Speed

Put simply, high-speed internet equals opportunity for households and businesses alike, and access to fast, reliable and affordable internet and Wi-Fi will help close the urban-rural digital divide in Missouri. That's why you may see Brightspeed representatives going door to door introducing residents to internet service offerings in the following communities:

• Columbia, where close to 37,000 locations are ready for immediate Brightspeed Fiber Internet service installations
• Wentzville, where nearly 4,000 families and businesses can get Brightspeed Fiber Internet service immediately
• Springfield, where more than 86,000 homes and businesses can benefit from Brightspeed Fiber Internet connectivity today

Investing in Communities Where We Live and Work

In Missouri, Brightspeed has had the opportunity to support local schools, public spaces, sports programs and other resources aimed at enhancing the communities. The company's recent efforts include:

• Naming rights of the Brightspeed Ice Park in Springfield and support of its programs
• Nearly $600,000 to support Mizzou athletics in Columbia and Missouri State University athletics in Springfield
• $15,000 to support Greene County parks and $17,000 to support Lake St. Louis, Wentzville, St. Peters and O'Fallon city parks
• Nearly $50,000 to launch the Brightspeed eSports Gaming Zone at the Springfield Cardinals Hammons Field ballpark
• $50,000 to support efactory and its network of programs are designed to support individuals and businesses throughout southern Missouri
• $18,000 in sponsorships of special events like Springfield Multicultural Festival, Jefferson City's Home Builders Show, Farmers Market of the Ozarks
• More than $70,000 to support arts programs, exhibitions and venues like Better Block SGF, Discovery Center of Springfield, Springfield Regional Arts Council, Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, The Blue Note in Columbia

"At Brightspeed, we're proud to do more than just provide internet service—we're investing in the heartbeat of our communities," said Brian Littleton, Brightspeed local marketing manager. "By supporting local sports, arts, music, education, and organizations that uplift and empower, we're helping to build stronger, more vibrant communities where people can truly thrive."

About Brightspeed

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.

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SOURCE Brightspeed