Greenlight Networks Expands FTTH Internet to the Buffalo-Niagara Region

BUFFALO, NY — Greenlight Networks, a FTTH provider in New York State, announced plans to expand its high-speed internet to the Buffalo Niagara region thanks to an investment from Tom Golisano. Golisano, controlling equity partner in Greenlight Networks, shared that he will invest more than $100 million to fund the fiber optic network expansion for residents and small businesses.

Greenlight’s fiber optic network will deliver data speeds as high as 2 Gbps, with a base speed of 500 Mbps, which is five times faster and 25 percent less expensive than the incumbent cable provider, with no contracts, taxes or hidden fees. Fiber internet provides the best possible online experience for gaming or streaming high-quality video and supports simultaneous high-speed connections across multiple devices. Additionally, a recent study found that homes in neighborhoods with a fiber connection can see an increase in value up to 3.1 percent, or $5,437 (Wall Street Journal).

The investment will also help future-proof communities and foster additional growth and economic development across Upstate New York. “Our business model is based on customer interest, which is the driving factor for us when determining where to expand our services to,” said Mark Murphy, CEO of Greenlight Networks. “Our research shows a considerable amount of pent-up demand for high-speed broadband in Buffalo and the surrounding areas, so we’re extremely excited to bring the reliability and speed of a world-class internet connection to this market.”

How it Works

Buffalo Niagara region residents can visit Greenlight’s dedicated webpage and complete an interest form. Neighborhoods with the highest level of interest will be considered first for construction, pending approvals from municipalities.

Utilizing local Buffalo contractors, Greenlight Networks—under its joint venture with LeChase Construction, a New York-based construction management company with 75 years of experience—will begin laying fiber-optic cables across the Buffalo Niagara region starting in the second half of 2020. Further details about specific locations, as well as a formal construction schedule, will be announced this spring.

Greenlight Networks was founded in 2011 in Rochester, NY. Tom Golisano acquired a controlling interest in Greenlight Networks in mid-2018. Since then, Greenlight has tripled its staff and brought high-speed fiber internet to more than 40,000 homes in 13 municipalities. Over the past year, Greenlight has invested in people, resources and systems to meet community demand. With this new incremental investment by Tom Golisano, the organization is now positioned to fast-track broad market expansion and anticipates serving 230,000 customers across Western and Upstate New York by the end of 2022.

“There is significant opportunity in Upstate New York, especially here in Buffalo, which is why we believe there is no better time than now to aggressively expand,” Golisano stated. “High speed and reliable fiber networks are important for streaming, gaming and smart homes. But with that speed, consumers expect a reasonable price. Greenlight meets both needs and I expect it will be well received by the residents of Upstate New York.”