LightStream Accomplishes 100% Fiber Optic Network

LightStream is excited to announce it has achieved its long-term goal of building a 100% fiber optic network.

In 2010, construction started with the installation of fiber internet at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello and Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac. Over the next 13 years, LightStream buried more than 600 miles of fiber optic lines throughout its 168-square-mile footprint. In addition to traditional phone service, every address within LightStream’s service area now has access to symmetrical gigabit-speed internet service.

“The technology behind fiber will allow our communities to stay connected at the highest level,” said Brent Gillum, LightStream president and CEO. “Our customers can expect to work and learn from home, stream TV content and create a higher quality of life in rural Indiana.”

LightStream services are available to approximately 9,000 homes and businesses in Cass, Pulaski and White counties. The towns of Buffalo, Monticello, Pulaski, Royal Center, Star City and Winamac have all been awarded the Smart Rural Community designation by NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association — an honor that recognizes the better opportunities in agriculture, government, education, health care and more to come with access to reliable broadband service.

“LightStream originated in 1954 for a collection of mostly farmers to stay connected via phone,” said LightStream Board Chairman Josh Bowsher. “Today, we can stand as a cooperative nearly 70 years later that brings exceptional service to its members. We are grateful to our founding board members – including one of my own family members, Cecil Westerhouse. We are proud to make a key difference in our communities.”

Gigabit, or 1,000 Mbps, speeds are available now, and technology is on the way that will allow for 10 Gbps speeds in years to come.

“Future needs in our area will be seamlessly covered, and we will evolve with customer trends,” Gillum said.