Zayo Extends Middle-Mile Network to Provide Reliable Internet Access for Thousands Across Dallas County

Infrastructure provider Zayo has been awarded $27.8 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to expand critical middle-mile infrastructure and help deliver equitable Internet access across Dallas County. The project will enable local internet service providers (ISPs) to extend high-speed internet to areas most in need, including approximately 24,000 households in Dallas County that currently lack home internet access, and serve as a catalyst for future economic growth and innovation in the region. Zayo’s new middle-mile fiber network in Dallas County will directly address these regional disparities in digital services through the construction and upgrades of over 60 miles of middle-mile network infrastructure across Dallas County and in up to 10 priority zip codes, selected based on a general needs assessment. Zayo is also partnering with Texas-based national nonprofit Compudopt, which provides technology access and education to under-resourced youth and their communities. With a $150K investment over two years, Zayo will fund the distribution of 300 laptops including two years of multi-language tech support and warranties, to Dallas County students and school-aged children. Combined with Compudopt’s digital literacy and workforce development curriculums for new Internet users, this initiative is expected to positively impact approximately 1,500 individuals.