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Greenville Business Magazine

The Business Narrative: Fiber Optics Expansion

Aug 22, 2022 09:16AM ● By David Dykes

Brightspeed Boosts Fiber Optics in South Carolina

Brightspeed announced that it will deliver, by the end of 2023, up to 14,000 new fiber passings in Beaufort County during the first phase of its fiber optics network build in the state of South Carolina.

Brightspeed plans to add 36,000 fiber passings in the state in subsequent years of its build plan, for a total of up to 50,000 fiber-enabled locations across its South Carolina footprint.

“Expanding access to faster, more reliable, and user-friendly internet is our number one priority,” said Sherry Hessenthaler, operations strategy lead for Brightspeed.

“High-quality broadband has never been more important, whether for work, education, telemedicine, entertainment, or simply staying connected. We are ready to hit the ground running with our deployment in Beaufort County and are looking forward to introducing customers to our state-of-the-art Brightspeed products and services.”

The South Carolina build is part of Brightspeed's comprehensive plan to invest at least $2 billion in its fiber optics transformation, which is expected to reach up to 3 million homes and businesses over the next five years, including in many locations where fiber and advanced technology have not historically been implemented.

“Ensuring that South Carolinians have access to quality broadband has never been more important, but it requires communication, collaboration, and cooperation with partners in the private sector, like Brightspeed,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

“We're grateful for Brightspeed's investment in Beaufort County and look forward to continuing our work together in this increasingly important endeavor.”

South Carolina is among the 20 states that make up Brightspeed's service territory, mainly in rural and suburban regions of the country.

Brightspeed will initially be composed of incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) assets and associated operations of Lumen Technologies, which are the subject of a pending acquisition by Apollo-managed funds.

Brightspeed's next-generation FTTP architecture is being engineered to accelerate deployment and market availability.

Brightspeed plans to announce other state-specific network build plans in the coming weeks.


South Carolina-Based American Security Now Part of Allied Universal

Allied Universal, a leading global security and facility services company, acquired Greenville-based American Security, a top security provider in the Southeast region of the United States.

Founded in 1975 by retired South Carolina Highway Patrol Sergeant Henry Harrison, American Security had more than 1,200 employees and served a seven-state area that included Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Although American Security comprised mostly security professionals, the company provided a range of security services.

“I'm pleased to welcome American Security to the Allied Universal team. The transition will be seamless as American Security and Allied Universal share a deep commitment to our employees, as well as our customers and the communities we serve,” Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal said in making the acquisition announcement.

“American Security will complement the services we currently provide and give Allied Universal a stronger presence in the Southeast part of the United States.”

Public Radio Reporter Victoria Hansen Honored by SCBA

South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) announced that SC Public Radio reporter Victoria Hansen was named Radio Reporter of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.

Winners of the annual State Television and Radio (STAR) Awards were announced Aug. 13 in Columbia.

The SCBA provides educational resources for members, communicating essential information to the public and lobbying for legislation that supports broadcasters’ commitment to serving their communities.

The STAR Awards recognize the accomplishments of South Carolina stations and their broadcast professionals.

Hansen covers the Charleston community for SC Public Radio. She has worked as a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years and has covered such stories as the Susan Smith murder trial and the arrival of the Citadel’s first female cadet.

This is the fourth year she has been named Radio Reporter of the Year by SCBA.

Author Glennon Doyle to Speak at Blackbaud Conference

Blackbaud, the South Carolina-based cloud software company powering social good, announced that New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, nonprofit founder and activist Glennon Doyle will join the mainstage at bbcon 2022 Virtual, the tech conference for good.

This year's conference will take place Oct. 17–18 and will again be free and virtual.

Doyle will participate in a keynote conversation during the opening session.

“We're thrilled to welcome Glennon Doyle to bbcon this year as we look to bring inspiration and education to thousands of social good practitioners around the world,” said Catherine LaCour, chief marketing officer, Blackbaud.

“Glennon is a powerful voice for diversity and inclusion through her work with Together Rising, the all-women-led nonprofit that has revolutionized grassroots philanthropy and raised over $40 million for women, families, and children in crisis. We can't wait to hear what she has to share with our audience.”

Doyle is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Untamed,” as well as “Love Warrior” and “Carry On, Warrior.”

bbcon 2022 Virtual is designed to make social good organizations, their teams and their missions stronger and more resilient.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn actionable strategies and gain insights into trends from leading experts; get a sneak peek of upcoming Blackbaud product innovation and enhancements; discover new ways to extend and enhance their tech investment with services and solutions from Blackbaud partners; learn from some of the world's leading voices on how diversity, empathy and authenticity can create stronger, more engaged leaders; and connect with like-minded professionals to build their network.

Get more information about bbcon 2022 Virtual and register for free here.


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