Low-cost, high-speed fiber optic Internet service reaches 15,000 Rochester homes today. And the company plans to extend its reach to another 12,000 by the end of the year.
That represents more than a third of the company’s expected annual growth.
Areas of focus include the 19th Ward, which has been in the works for Greenlight since before the pandemic, and the 14621 ZIP code in the northeast.
Obtaining permits, recreation areas and access to poles can present obstacles. But the pace of the city’s growth has drawn criticism in the past.
The company used to rely on pre-registration to decide where to build. But officials say the investment by billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano and Oak Hill Capital allows the company to be more deliberate in its expansion plans.
Greenlight’s service area includes 120,000 homes throughout Monroe County and Victor.
Other areas where Greenlight is looking for significant expansion this year include Webster, where it plans to reach an additional 4,000 homes, and Chili, where it expects to reach 6,000.
Rochester-based Greenlight Networks is marking its 10th anniversary by announcing continued expansion plans.
In each case, the company expands by placing network equipment in non-public areas of municipal buildings. Fire place in Chile. Webster rec center. And the floor of the Arnett branch library in southwest Rochester. That is, if the City Council approves.
It would be the first time that there has been such a relationship in this city, despite the agreement two years ago that saw such programs to facilitate the implementation of the construction of poorly maintained areas.
Greenlight plans to continue construction this year in Greece, Gates, Henrietta and Pittsford, officials said.