Company announces investment in local community, helping bridge the digital divide through support of local nonprofit, Friends of the Columbia Public Library

COLUMBIA, Mo. – October 25, 2024 – Brightspeed, one of the nation’s largest fiber broadband builders focused on empowering more homes with ultrafast, reliable internet, has made it much easier for residents of Columbia, Missouri, to access high-speed internet connectivity. Joined by Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, community leaders and customers and employees, Brightspeed celebrated the official launch of its state-of-the-art, high-speed internet service on Friday, October 25, to nearly 38,000 families and businesses across Columbia and Hermann.   

“All Missourians deserve access to high-speed internet. In today’s world, everyone needs to be connected for education, healthcare, business, and more,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. “Brightspeed’s investment in broadband connectivity here and beyond is helping bring affordable, reliable, high-speed internet to our residents so they can flourish in today’s technology-driven economy.”

Missouri currently ranks 43^rd in the nation when it comes to internet coverage, speed, and availability, according to BroadbandNow. This paints a challenging picture for those who need high-speed internet to look for employment, work remotely, complete schoolwork, or use telehealth. Brightspeed believes that no community should be left behind and is dedicated to deploying next-generation, fiber-optic technology.

“Reliable internet is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity to live, work, and learn online,” said Brightspeed Chief Legal Officer Steve Tugentman. “Our goal is to increase access to high-speed connectivity everywhere – from cities like Columbia to smaller communities that tend to be left behind. We take pride in collaborating with local municipalities and organizations to build and support the necessary infrastructure these communities need.”

Beyond investing in connectivity, Brightspeed is proud to support a local nonprofit, the Friends of the Columbia Public Library. The organization is committed to providing a safe space, through the Daniel Boone Regional Library, for Columbia-area residents to access resources, information and internet connections, and come together as a community. During the event, Brightspeed announced a donation of $2,500 for the organization.

“We are so grateful for Brightspeed’s partnership and commitment to bolstering our community,” said Joe Faceteau, Development Manager for the Daniel Boone Regional Library. “Libraries are vital for providing communities with access to physical and digital information. We are thankful for Brightspeed’s donation in support of our local public library in its mission to help residents connect, learn and discover.”  

For more information about Brightspeed and fiber availability in and around Columbia, please visit www.brightspeed.com.