Lumos Announces Inaugural Expansion Into Ohio With a $230M Investment to Build 100% Fiber-Optic Internet Across the Mahoning Valley

Lumos will begin construction in Mahoning and Trumbull County, bringing cutting-edge 100% Fiber Internet to the Mahoning Valley

HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lumos, a leading 100% Fiber-Optic Internet and Total Home Wi-Fi service provider in the Mid-Atlantic, today announced its expansion into the state of Ohio with a $230 million investment to build nearly 2,000 miles of its 100% Fiber Optic network, providing homes and small businesses in Mahoning and Trumbull County with access to life-changing internet.

As Lumos' first expansion in Ohio, the company will provide access to fiber internet through scalable plans to meet the growing digital demand for families and businesses, with life-changing speeds and reliable service.

"This nearly a quarter of a billion-dollar investment in the Greater Youngstown community reflects our dedication to expanding our fast and reliable fiber internet to all communities, not just the big cities," said Lumos CEO, Brain Stading. "We're proud to be the first 100% fiber provider in the Mahoning Valley, bringing critical infrastructure to the area and helping to pave the pathway for economic growth in these areas."

“We know that having access to high-speed internet is essential to participating in the modern economy,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “Our administration has prioritized efforts to close the digital divide across the state through the Ohio Broadband Strategy, and we support private investments that will make expanded internet a reality for the people living in these communities.”

“Access to high-speed broadband is essential in our community,” said Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy. “Yet, many residents still find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. With Lumos Fiber’s investment in broadband fiber, both our rural and urban communities will now have a chance to thrive in a new digitally empowered world.”

“Technology is deeply intertwined in our lives,” said Anthony Traficanti, President of the Board of the Mahoning County Commissioners. “COVID-19 brought greater awareness of the importance of broadband for residents and businesses in Mahoning County with the increased need and reliance upon online learning, telehealth, remote work and more. This fiber investment illustrates Lumos’ commitment to the Valley and will ensure that we remain at the forefront of the digital economy.”

Fast and reliable internet is essential for modern learning, working, and connecting. Lumos’ symmetrical fiber internet provides uninterrupted, accessible, internet access, meeting today's needs while preparing customers for the future. This expansion to Ohio aims to bring fiber-optic internet to underserved and unserved areas, bolstering economic growth and benefiting the communities in and around Youngstown and Warren for years to come.

“We see the availability of more fiber as another substantial investment in our Valley,” said Jim Kinnick, Executive Director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments. “This will not only add to the economic vitality and growth of the region but help enhance our talent retention and attraction efforts.”

This news marks the company's first expansion since its announcement of a joint venture with T-Mobile and EQT in April 2024.

Engineering work for this new investment will begin in late 2024, and residents will receive communication by mail once engineering and construction begin. To enroll in email updates, please visit http://www.lumosfiber.com/builtforthefuture.

In addition to ultra-fast internet, Lumos' inaugural expansion into Ohio will provide new job opportunities for those in the Mahoning Valley area. For more information, please visit www.lumosfiber.com/careers.

About Lumos: Lumos provides 100% Fiber Optic Internet, whole-Home Wi-Fi, voice and streaming services, to more than 300,000 homes and businesses across Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. We believe that the possibilities of tomorrow cannot be built on the infrastructure of yesterday. That’s why we’re building a 100% Fiber Optic network from the ground up for families, businesses, and communities, backed by local, expert customer service. An Internet built for that most hopeful of all things – the future. Because whatever the future holds, we make it faster. Learn more at www.LumosFiber.com.

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