LS Networks is deploying 1 Gbps capable fiber services to 25 rural communities in Oregon and Washington during the next two years, bringing new options to markets often ignored by large incumbent telcos.
Eligible customers will be able to access 100 Mbps or 1 Gbps speeds with monthly plans starting at $40 for 100 Mbps and $70 for 1 Gbps.
After launching the $1.2 million “Connected Communities” project in Maupin, Oregon, in July, LS Networks will start rolling out services in January.
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Supporting the new Gbps services is a 7,500 mile route fiber network LS Networks built in Oregon. Already these fiber assets operate as a purpose-built IP services network.
Earlier this year, LS Networks began expanding its fiber network in eastern Washington and rural parts of the state in order to offer service to businesses and residential customers in Yakima, Tri-Cities and Spokane.
Under the Connected Communities initiative, the service provider will extend the fiber network into the last mile to connect to homes.
LS Networks said that Connected Communities directly supports the company’s mission to build in locations where others cannot or will not, with top-tier service for urban and rural communities alike.
Similar to Google Fiber and TDS with their Fiberhood and Fiberville programs, LS Networks is asking local residents to sign up to nominate their community to be the first to get the FTTH service by going to the Connected Communities website.
Extending services to residential customers is new territory for LS Networks. Up till now, the company, which was formed by a consortium of electric cooperatives, has focused mainly on providing business and wholesale services.