Brightspeed Fires Up Fiber Future in Virginia: Three Communities Connected, More Construction Underway

Brightspeed Fires Up Fiber Future in Virginia: Three Communities Connected, More Construction Underway

Building Stronger, More Resilient Connectivity for Roanoke Valley Homes and Businesses

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — November 3, 2025 — Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber broadband builder and provider of the country’s fastest internet service, as determined by HighSpeedInternet.com’s Annual Service Provider Review 2025, announced a major milestone: the completion of its fiber network in Altavista, Collinsville and Martinsville. This breakthrough means more than 19,000 families and businesses now have access to ultra-reliable, lightning-fast internet that empowers remote work, online learning, e-commerce, telehealth and more in today’s hyperconnected world.

“Aging copper networks simply can’t keep up with the demand for speed and bandwidth needed for today’s online experiences or the future’s innovations,” said Chris Dillon, director of government affairs at Brightspeed. “Brightspeed is investing in more than infrastructure; we are creating a catalyst for economic growth, education and health. We’re committed to helping bridge Virginia’s digital divide and empowering families and business to thrive in the digital age.”

Expanding access in Southwest & Central Virginia

Brightspeed is rapidly transforming the digital landscape in Virginia where four in ten residents are unable to purchase a fiber internet plan.* Once fully deployed, the company’s multi-gigabit fiber network will serve 65,500 locations across Buena Vista, Campbell, Carroll, Franklin, Galax, Halifax, Henry, Lexington, Martinsville, Rockbridge and Wythe counties.

“In Rockbridge County, families and businesses have waited far too long for the kind of reliable, high-speed internet that others take for granted,” said Rockbridge County Board of Supervisors Chair Leslie Ayers. “Fiber connectivity changes everything; it means students can learn without interruption, small businesses can compete online, and residents can access healthcare and jobs no matter where they live. Bringing fiber to our communities isn’t just about faster speeds; it’s about creating opportunity and ensuring every community has a fair shot at success in today’s digital world.”

“Reliable, high-speed internet is essential for the future,” said Lexington City Mayor Frank Friedman. “From supporting our small businesses and local schools, and to keeping residents connected with opportunities across the country, fiber connectivity will make a significant difference in lives of our citizens.  I am thrilled that Brightspeed has made substantial investments in the Lexington Area that will strengthen our community and help ensure we can continue to grow and thrive in the digital age.”

Brightspeed fiber deployment by community 

The company is building fiber in the following communities.

Community	Planned Locations	Ready for Service
Bassett	4,595	Coming soon
Brownsburg	494	Coming soon
Buena Vista	4,304	3,680
Fieldale	1,432	Coming soon
Galax	5,760	4,136
Gladys	2,431	384
Glasgow	870	591
Hillsville	1,801	279
Lexington	5,280	3,593
Natural Bridge	1,368	117
Ridgeway	1,939	538
Rocky Mount	3,934	Coming soon
Rural Retreat	892	Coming soon
Rustburg	172	120
South Boston	5,126	3,621
Spencer	1,015	Coming soon
Wytheville	4,763	3,681

 

Funding sparks expansion

The company recently announced that it has secured more than $16.6 million in federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funding** to augment its private investment in building its fiber network in Viginia to reach another 4,963 locations in the state. Approximately $970,000 of that funding together with Brightspeed’s investment of nearly $2.5 million will directly impact Galax, Henry and Martinsville counties by expanding the company’s fiber build to reach nearly 400 additional locations in those counties.

Additionally, Virginia awarded Brightspeed more than $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to give nearly 1,000 more Virginians access to high-speed connectivity they don’t have today.

Once complete, Brightspeed Fiber Internet will reach more than 177,000 homes and businesses across the state, transforming the digital landscape for Virginia communities. 

Connecting communities, door to door

Brightspeed is knocking on doors in Axton, Buena Vista, Collinsville, Galax, Hillsville, Lexington, Martinsville and Wytheville to spread the word about its new, game-changing fiber service. Residents can expect:

• Who: Friendly, fully trained sales representatives wearing Brightspeed-branded apparel.
• What: Information about Brightspeed’s fiber internet service, plan options and benefits.
• Why: To help bridge the digital divide by expanding access to fast, affordable, and reliable internet in areas where quality options have historically been limited.

* According to BroadbandNow
** Provisionally awarded pending approval by NTIA

About Brightspeed

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. and with assets and associated operations in 20 states, Brightspeed provides broadband and telecommunications services through a network platform capable of serving more than 7.3 million homes and businesses. Our nearly 4,000 employees are committed to building a future where more communities benefit from a more connected life, deploying a state-of-the-art fiber network and a customer experience that makes being connected as simple as it should be. For more information, please visit www.brightspeed.com.