Zayo Extends Middle-Mile Network to Provide Reliable Internet Access for Thousands Across Dallas County

Dallas County to use $27.8 million in ARPA funds to increase internet access  The Dallas Morning News

sdgtalks sdgtalks
Aug 20, 2024 - 22:30
0 29
Zayo Extends Middle-Mile Network to Provide Reliable Internet Access for Thousands Across Dallas County

Zayo Extends Middle-Mile Network to Provide Reliable Internet Access for Thousands Across Dallas County

Zayo Receives $27.8 Million Funding to Expand Internet Access in Dallas County

BOULDER, Colo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug 20, 2024–

Zayo, a leading communications infrastructure provider, announced today that it has been awarded $27.8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand critical middle-mile infrastructure and help deliver equitable Internet access across Dallas County. The project will enable local internet service providers (ISPs) to extend high-speed internet to areas most in need, including approximately 24,000 households in Dallas County that currently lack home internet access, and serve as a catalyst for future economic growth and innovation in the region.

Addressing Inequities in Internet Access

Without adequate middle-mile infrastructure, many communities in the county face deep inequities in Internet access and affordability, limiting opportunities for remote work, online education, and virtual healthcare. Zayo’s new middle-mile fiber network in Dallas County will directly address these regional disparities in digital services through the construction and upgrades of over 60 miles of middle-mile network infrastructure across Dallas County and in up to 10 priority zip codes, selected based on a general needs assessment.

Partnership with Compudopt

Beyond the infrastructure investment, Zayo is also partnering with Texas-based national nonprofit Compudopt, which provides technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. With a $150K investment over two years, Zayo will fund the distribution of 300 laptops including two years of multi-language tech support and warranties, to Dallas County students and school-aged children. Combined with Compudopt’s digital literacy and workforce development curriculums for new Internet users, this initiative is expected to positively impact approximately 1,500 individuals.

Impact and Future Plans

“Zayo’s work with Dallas County is a game-changer for local communities, particularly those currently without access to reliable internet. By enabling local ISPs to provide competitive services, we’re not only making internet connectivity more accessible and affordable for Dallas County residents but also opening doors for local communities to take advantage of enhanced broadband access. However, laying the infrastructure isn’t enough, which is why Zayo is also investing in the future of Dallas County, providing residents with the tools and skills needed in an increasingly connected world,” said Brian Daniels, Chief Sales Officer at Zayo.

“Dallas County residents, and lower-income residents in particular, face significant challenges both in affording Internet services, and in obtaining the devices needed to make effective use of these services,” said Dallas County Judge Clay Lewis Jenkins. “Dallas County is committed to improving its digital infrastructure and literacy resources to enable equitable Internet access and digital opportunities for every member of the community. Our partnership will help our most in-need residents receive both affordable, high-speed internet services and the hardware to utilize them to their full potential.”

The Dallas County Middle-Mile Fiber Network project comes on the heels of Zayo’s recent middle-mile initiative in Nevada and the groundbreaking of its National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)-funded Oregon-California-Nevada route, reinforcing the company’s mission to enhance connectivity and support increased bandwidth needs in locations that need it the most.

About Zayo

For more than 17 years, Zayo has empowered some of the world’s largest and most innovative companies to connect what’s next for their business. The Zayo group of companies connects 400 global markets with a future-ready network that spans over 18 million fiber miles and 145,000 route miles. Zayo’s tailored connectivity solutions and managed services enable carriers, cloud providers, data centers, schools, and enterprises to deliver exceptional experiences, from core to cloud to edge. Discover how Zayo connects what’s next at www.zayo.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Compudopt

Compudopt is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to provide technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. Founded in 2007, Compudopt has provided device access, training, and support to hundreds of thousands of individuals across the country. Compudopt operates in 57 cities and 22 states across the US.

Disclaimer:

This communication was prepared by Zayo Group using funds under award 32-40-MM339 from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NTIA or DOC.

*Source: Columbia Telecommunications Corporation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240820886567/en/

CONTACT: Media

Kayla Bodel

Walker Sands for Zayo

press@zayo.com

KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS COLORADO

INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE WHITE HOUSE/FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONSUMER ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CARRIERS AND SERVICES PRIMARY/SECONDARY EDUCATION TEENS PUBLIC POLICY/GOVERNMENT PARENTING CHILDREN FAMILY TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS CONSUMER INTERNET

SOURCE: Zayo Group

Copyright Business Wire 2024.

PUB: 08/20/2024 10:00 AM/DISC: 08/20/2024 10:00 AM

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240820886567/en

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:

  • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:

  • SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
  • SDG 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
  • SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.

3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:

  • Number of households in Dallas County without home internet access.
  • Number of miles of middle-mile network infrastructure constructed and upgraded.
  • Number of priority zip codes selected based on needs assessment.
  • Number of laptops distributed to Dallas County students and school-aged children.
  • Number of individuals impacted by the digital literacy and workforce development curriculums.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. – Number of miles of middle-mile network infrastructure constructed and upgraded.
SDG 4: Quality Education SDG 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment. – Number of laptops distributed to Dallas County students and school-aged children.
– Number of individuals impacted by the digital literacy and workforce development curriculums.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities SDG 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all. – Number of households in Dallas County without home internet access.
– Number of priority zip codes selected based on needs assessment.

Source: bdtonline.com