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Lumos Fiber tells Smithfield council it will begin private $50M fiber build; town will be notified of construction
Summary
Lumos Fiber representatives told the council the company plans a private, phased fiber‑to‑the‑home build in Johnston and Harnett counties (a more than $50 million investment), with Smithfield among the first areas to be served; company described outreach and construction practices and answered questions about trees, underground lines and schedule.
Representatives of Lumos Fiber told the Town of Smithfield council that the company plans to begin a private, multi‑million‑dollar fiber‑to‑the‑home build that will include Smithfield in its first phase.
Company representatives said Lumos (representatives identified as Mr. Scott and Marlon Brown) expects to invest more than $50,000,000 across Johnston and Harnett counties to deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds that the presenters said are required for modern remote work, telemedicine and high‑quality video usage. The presenters characterized the project as a private investment that does not require council funding or incentives and said the company will coordinate permits and notify residents through mailers, yard signs, door‑to‑door engagement and a web enrollment tool.
In response to council and resident questions, company staff said approximately 95% of the lines will be installed underground, with limited directional drilling where necessary; crews will attempt to preserve large trees wherever possible and use trenchless methods in sensitive locations. Typical work in a neighborhood block was described as lasting about 45 days; the company will "light up" fiber distribution areas (FDHs) as neighborhoods are completed rather than waiting for the entire build to finish.
Company pricing and affordability practices were discussed: Lumos said it previously participated in federal affordability programs (ACP) and offered a low‑cost tier historically aligned with that subsidy; current pricing tiers will vary by speed and will include budget‑friendly options. Developers also described branded trucks and on‑site construction managers who would be available for escalations and resident inquiries.
Council members asked for a schedule of construction areas and the company agreed to provide a forecasted street‑level schedule to town staff; the company said residents may also check the company website and QR codes on outreach materials to see when service will be available in a given block.
No formal action was required or taken on the presentation; staff said the town will continue to coordinate permits and street sheets through construction.
