Fiber Optic Internet Company Back in Action in the Midlands!
Columbia, South Carolina is buzzing with excitement as fiber optic internet company Lumos makes its much-anticipated return to the area. After a rocky patch last year, this North Carolina-based company is back in business and ready to improve internet access for many residents in the Midlands.
Construction Kicks Off in the Murraywood Neighborhood
Last week, Lumos crews rolled into the Murraywood neighborhood near Irmo, armed with determination and machinery to bury fiber optic cables. Residents were greeted with small plastic construction notices in their yards, announcing the start of the project. But don’t worry, as the notice reassured them, “While construction can be messy, rest assured, we’ll leave your area just as neat or better than it started!”
Plans for Expansion
The company is not just stopping at Murraywood. Derek Kelly, the vice president of market development for Lumos, shared that they have “a decent-sized build in Irmo” and additional plans to expand throughout the area. This means laying down pipes for home internet use in other parts of Irmo as well. Kelly also mentioned that Lumos is working hard to make high-speed internet accessible in Cayce, Lexington, and West Columbia.
High-Speed Internet Demand
With the growing popularity of streaming entertainment and an increasing number of folks working from home, Lumos recognizes the increased demand for reliable, high-speed internet services. Kelly noted, “I don’t think we set an end date,” implying that while they have plans to work in various areas, it will depend on the permitting from local municipalities.
A Controversial Past
Lumos has had its share of controversies before, which led to a temporary halt in their work last year. Crews accidentally caused gas leaks in the Elmwood Park neighborhood, even forcing some residents to evacuate for safety reasons. However, after receiving the necessary permissions, Lumos has been given the green light to pick up where they left off, aiming to improve its services across the Midlands.
A Promising Future
The company has ambitious goals, as evidenced by its announcement last fall to lay 1,200 miles of fiber-optic cable across Richland and Lexington counties. And they’re willing to invest a whopping $100 million into this expansion effort, aimed at providing better internet services to many who are currently underserved or unserved.
Community Engagement
In light of the past troubles, Kelly emphasized the importance of community relationships, saying, “Doing any kind of utility work can be an intrusive project.” Lumos is a proactive player, digging carefully to locate existing utilities, gas, and sewer lines to minimize disruption. If concerned residents have questions, they are encouraged to call the number listed on the construction notices.
Looking Ahead
The town of Irmo is also considering plans for Spectrum to lay new cables, but that may involve some digging in Veterans Park. As for Lumos, their work in the Murraywood neighborhood is just the beginning, with much more to come in the greater Irmo area and beyond.
Exciting Times for Internet Access
As the demand for high-speed internet continues to surge, it’s heartening to see companies like Lumos stepping in to provide solutions. With their focus on community engagement and timely projects, residents can look forward to much better connectivity before they know it!
