FiberLight Invests $20 Million in Texas’ First Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone

FiberLight, a leading provider of fiber network infrastructure, has announced a groundbreaking investment of $20 million to develop a 100-mile fiber optic infrastructure project along State Highway (SH) 130, near Austin, Texas. This strategic initiative marks a significant step towards creating the region’s first intelligent infrastructure economic zone, heralding a new era of connectivity and technological advancement.

Partnering for Progress: FiberLight and the Autonomy Institute

In collaboration with the Autonomy Institute, FiberLight aims to pioneer the development of an intelligent infrastructure that underpins the future of autonomous systems and AI at the Edge. The Autonomy Institute, renowned for its efforts to accelerate the adoption of smart networks, brings together leading organizations such as Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Nvidia, and Cisco to foster innovation in autonomy and AI technologies.

Laying the Groundwork for Autonomous Systems

The project encompasses the installation of high-speed 10 and 100GB connectivity to Public Infrastructure Network Nodes (PINNs) across approximately 92 miles of SH 130. These PINNs, crucial for the management of autonomous systems, will be placed every 2,000 feet along the highway, ensuring comprehensive coverage and support for a wide array of intelligent applications.

Bill Major, CEO of FiberLight, emphasized the critical role of fiber optic placement in achieving safe and reliable use of automated vehicles. “Our fiber infrastructure will deliver substantial connectivity capacity to each of the more than 240 PINNs, driving economic expansion and job growth for the region,” Major stated.

Envisioning a Connected Future

Upon completion, the SH 130 project is set to revolutionize the way we think about transportation and connectivity. FiberLight’s network will facilitate autonomous mobility districts, enhance public safety and response capabilities, and support distributed work centers. Moreover, the advanced spatial computing capabilities enabled by this project will pave the way for autonomous cars, trucks, drones, and immersive AR/VR experiences, among other Edge computing applications.

FiberLight’s National Footprint and Strategic Acquisition

FiberLight boasts an extensive presence across the United States, operating in over 430 cities with approximately 17,000 route miles of fiber networks and 230,000 pre-qualified near-net buildings. The company offers a diverse range of services, including Ethernet, dark fiber, and wireless backhaul services. Last year, FiberLight was acquired by a consortium led by Morrison & Co, a global infrastructure investment firm. This consortium, which includes the Australian Retirement Trust (ART) and a client managed by UBS Asset Management, appointed Bill Major as CEO following the acquisition’s finalization in April.

A Milestone for Texas and the Nation

FiberLight’s $20 million investment in the SH 130 fiber optic infrastructure project represents a significant milestone for Texas and the broader United States. By fostering the development of intelligent infrastructure and supporting the advancement of autonomous systems, FiberLight and its partners are setting the stage for a future where technology and connectivity drive economic growth, enhance public safety, and revolutionize our daily lives. This project exemplifies the potential of collaboration between private industry and innovative institutes to create smart, sustainable, and connected communities.