Tech firm to invest $100M in greater Columbia infrastructure project

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A North Carolina-based telecommunications company is expanding into the South Carolina market with a $100 million investment to bring high-speed fiber optic internet service to the greater Columbia area.

Lumos, based in High Point, N.C., announced they will be installing nearly 1,200 miles of fiber optic technology in Richland and Lexington counties, according to a news release.

Lumos currently provides fiber optic internet, home wi-fi, voice and streaming services to more than 200,000 homes and businesses in North Carolina and Virginia.

With this expansion, Lumos will reach under-served portions of Columbia, Forest Acres and Arcadia Lakes in Richland County, as well as West Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Irmo and Springdale in Lexington County, according to the release.

“The world is more connected than ever, and communities need high speeds to keep pace,” said Lumos CEO Brian Stading. “Lumos aims to unlock the potential of the digital world by providing fiber optic internet to previously underserved areas across South Carolina.”

Community leaders are enthusiastic about the increased availability of high-speed fiber optic internet in the area.

“High-speed internet access for all our residents is a priority for the Richland County Council and staff, and we are thrilled about this investment by Lumos in our community,” said Richland County Council Chairman Overture Walker. “This partnership will catapult us across the digital divide and keep us competitive in terms of economic development.”

Engineering for the project is slated to begin by mid-year, with construction to begin shortly afterward, company officials said. Residents will receive communications by mail when work begins and can also sign up for email updates on the company website.