Zayo Group

Zayo Group has secured $27.8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand middle-mile infrastructure in Dallas County. This initiative aims to improve internet access for about 24,000 households currently lacking connectivity. The project will involve constructing and upgrading over 60 miles of middle-mile network infrastructure in up to 10 priority zip codes. Zayo is also collaborating with the nonprofit Compudopt to provide 300 laptops and digital literacy training to local students, benefiting approximately 1,500 individuals. This effort is part of Zayo's broader mission to address digital equity and support economic growth in underserved regions.

Zayo Group Holdings, a prominent communications infrastructure provider, recently secured $27.8 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to enhance middle-mile infrastructure across Dallas County, Texas. This strategic investment is intended to address significant digital disparities in the region by improving Internet access for approximately 24,000 households that currently lack reliable broadband services. The new middle-mile fiber network will be built over 60 miles, focusing on underserved communities in up to 10 priority zip codes identified through a needs assessment.

The primary objective of this funding is to enable local Internet service providers (ISPs) to extend high-speed Internet services to areas that have been historically underserved. By enhancing middle-mile infrastructure, Zayo aims to foster greater competition among ISPs, leading to more affordable and accessible broadband options for residents in these communities. This expansion is expected to not only improve connectivity but also drive economic growth and innovation within the county.

Beyond the infrastructure investment, Zayo has partnered with Compudopt, a Texas-based national nonprofit dedicated to providing technology access and education to under-resourced youth. As part of this collaboration, Zayo will contribute $150,000 over two years to distribute 300 laptops to students in Dallas County. This initiative is designed to equip residents with the necessary tools and digital literacy skills to fully benefit from the enhanced Internet access. The laptops will come with two years of multi-language tech support and warranties, and the program is expected to positively impact around 1,500 individuals.

Brian Daniels, Chief Sales Officer at Zayo, highlighted the importance of this initiative in bridging the digital divide in Dallas County. He emphasized that the project would not only make Internet connectivity more accessible and affordable but also provide residents with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins also underscored the significance of this partnership, noting that it would help lower-income residents gain both the Internet services and devices they need to fully participate in the digital economy.

The Dallas County Middle-Mile Fiber Network project is part of Zayo's broader commitment to enhancing digital equity through infrastructure development. This project follows similar middle-mile initiatives by Zayo in other regions, including Nevada and the Oregon-California-Nevada corridor. These efforts reflect Zayo's ongoing mission to support increased bandwidth needs in underserved areas and prepare these regions for future technological advancements.

Zayo's collaboration with local governments and nonprofit organizations, combined with its investment in middle-mile infrastructure, is a crucial step toward closing the digital divide in Dallas County. The project not only addresses immediate connectivity needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic and social benefits, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to engage fully in the digital world.

Zayo Group has secured $27.8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand middle-mile infrastructure in Dallas County. This initiative aims to improve internet access for about 24,000 households currently lacking connectivity. The project will involve constructing and upgrading over 60 miles of middle-mile network infrastructure in up to 10 priority zip codes. Zayo is also collaborating with the nonprofit Compudopt to provide 300 laptops and digital literacy training to local students, benefiting approximately 1,500 individuals. This effort is part of Zayo's broader mission to address digital equity and support economic growth in underserved regions.

Zayo Group Holdings, a prominent communications infrastructure provider, recently secured $27.8 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to enhance middle-mile infrastructure across Dallas County, Texas. This strategic investment is intended to address significant digital disparities in the region by improving Internet access for approximately 24,000 households that currently lack reliable broadband services. The new middle-mile fiber network will be built over 60 miles, focusing on underserved communities in up to 10 priority zip codes identified through a needs assessment.

The primary objective of this funding is to enable local Internet service providers (ISPs) to extend high-speed Internet services to areas that have been historically underserved. By enhancing middle-mile infrastructure, Zayo aims to foster greater competition among ISPs, leading to more affordable and accessible broadband options for residents in these communities. This expansion is expected to not only improve connectivity but also drive economic growth and innovation within the county.

Beyond the infrastructure investment, Zayo has partnered with Compudopt, a Texas-based national nonprofit dedicated to providing technology access and education to under-resourced youth. As part of this collaboration, Zayo will contribute $150,000 over two years to distribute 300 laptops to students in Dallas County. This initiative is designed to equip residents with the necessary tools and digital literacy skills to fully benefit from the enhanced Internet access. The laptops will come with two years of multi-language tech support and warranties, and the program is expected to positively impact around 1,500 individuals.

Brian Daniels, Chief Sales Officer at Zayo, highlighted the importance of this initiative in bridging the digital divide in Dallas County. He emphasized that the project would not only make Internet connectivity more accessible and affordable but also provide residents with the skills and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world. Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins also underscored the significance of this partnership, noting that it would help lower-income residents gain both the Internet services and devices they need to fully participate in the digital economy.

The Dallas County Middle-Mile Fiber Network project is part of Zayo's broader commitment to enhancing digital equity through infrastructure development. This project follows similar middle-mile initiatives by Zayo in other regions, including Nevada and the Oregon-California-Nevada corridor. These efforts reflect Zayo's ongoing mission to support increased bandwidth needs in underserved areas and prepare these regions for future technological advancements.

Zayo's collaboration with local governments and nonprofit organizations, combined with its investment in middle-mile infrastructure, is a crucial step toward closing the digital divide in Dallas County. The project not only addresses immediate connectivity needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic and social benefits, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to engage fully in the digital world.