Broadband services startup LiveOak Fiber targets Georgia, Florida with initial funding
Regional broadband services newcomer LiveOak Fiber says it has received $150 million in initial funding from InfraRed Capital Partners. The money will be spent on the construction of fiber to the premises (FTTP) infrastructure in Glynn County, GA, and Okaloosa County, FL, which the company describes as traditionally underserved markets.
FTTP network construction will begin in the third quarter of this year with a goal of initiating services in the first quarter of 2023. LiveOak Fiber says it plans to deliver internet services up to 10 Gbps as well as a suite of business-specific offerings.
The funding is meant to get LiveOak Fiber off the ground; InfraRed “expects the investment opportunity to grow over time as the network expands,” according to a press release.
“These initial deployments are in underserved areas that lack the critical connectivity needed to foster both a growing population and attract new businesses,” said Jody Craft, president of LiveOak Fiber. “Constructing and providing fiber-based broadband to these counties in Georgia and Florida will enable a rich suite of modern communication services for the residents and businesses.”
“InfraRed is proud to partner with LiveOak Fiber, a remarkable team that is committed to providing communities with necessary digital infrastructure and internet services, designed to enable social and economic growth,” says Jack Paris, head of Americas at InfraRed Capital Partners. “InfraRed continues to grow its presence in the U.S. market by making value-accretive investments in target sectors, funding and developing critical digital infrastructure that connects communities.”
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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.
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