Lyte Fiber - FTTH - Silver City 04, 02, Cobre 01 PAU - Alt %
Lyte Fiber is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) backed by SDC Capital Partners LLC’s $2.1 billion Digital Infrastructure Opportunity Fund IV and comprised of accomplished ISP veterans. Lyte Fiber proposes to build a 182-mile 100% fiber-optic network capable of 10 Gbps symmetrical speeds to 1,095 unserved, BEAD eligible locations in three contiguous PAU's: Silver City 02, Silver City 04, and Cobre 01.    A) Technology Lyte Fiber proposes a 100% FTTH deployment, equipped with several layers of redundancy and ample capacity to scale speeds and connectivity to other unserved and underserved locations. Lyte Fiber plans to utilize XGS-PON, FTTH technology to provide synchronous download/upload speeds of multiple Gbps. The network will utilize an active, self-healing Middle Mile ring consisting of 288-count fiber capable powered by interfaces that can support 10 to 400 gigabits of capacity. Lyte Fiber will, as per our standard design, be placing handholes (splice locations) at frequent and critical access locations. In addition to a ringed Middle Mile, Lyte Fiber plans to utilize redundant, diverse backhauls and active cabinets will be equipped with backup generators and batteries to enhance reliability and resiliency.    B) Service offerings Lyte Fiber’s proposed pricing for its 100% fiber-optic, symmetrical, broadband service is competitive, affordable, and financially accessible. Specifically, Lyte Fiber plans to offer the three (3) following residential speed tiers: 300/300Mbps - $65 1/1 Gbps - $90 2.5/2.5 Gbps -$125 Lyte Fiber’s plans are “all-inclusive,” including all taxes, fees, installation, equipment, etc. There are no teaser rates, no compulsory recurring fees, no one-time fees, no data caps and usage fees, no activation fees, etc. Plus, there are no bundles and no contracts. In fact, most offerings even come with life pricing.    C) Targeted Communities This proposed project targets the Silver Area. Lyte Fiber is in the process of conducting a major, privately funded expansion into southern New Mexico. The Company has identified underserved and high growth areas in Silver City, making the area a prime location to expand its reliable, best-in-class, 100% FTTH network. Given the number of eligible BSL’s, this area provides a great opportunity for Lyte Fiber to partner with the State to overcome the digital divide to make a meaningful impact in the Silver City/Grant County area.    D) Need for Grant Support Although Lyte Fiber regularly, privately funds deployment of its FTTH network in rural markets, the low density, long distances and challenging terrain necessitates the needs for supplemental public funds to help bridge the digital divide in rural New Mexico. The cost per passing (eligible, unserved locations) is more than $29,500. Without grant support, it is financially unfeasible to serve these eligible BSL’s that have gone without for too long.    E) Matching Contribution and Sources Lyte Fiber will provide $6,946,094 in matching funds, representing 21% of the total project cost of $32,408,295. The entire match amount is a cash match. Lyte Fiber will utilize an internal source for the matching funds.   F) Deployment timeline  Lyte Fiber estimates this Silver City area project will be completed with construction in approximately 21 months, covering roughly 182 miles of plant and servicing 1,095 eligible, un-served locations. Construction is targeted to begin in Q2 of 2026.  The network will be activated progressively, with initial service available as early as November of 2026, with full completion by end of Q3 2027.  G) Long-term Technical and Financial Sustainability Strategies Lyte Fiber conducted a thorough and thoughtful budget analysis resulting in a proposed overall project cost, match commitment and grant funding request that are responsible and realistic, ensuring the project is completed and sustainably operated for decades to come.  Lyte Fiber’s management team has over 150 years of experience designing, building and operating FTTH networks. In-house, high-performing project teams have the expertise and resources necessary to design and build the project with the future in mind, while ensuring its long-term technical sustainability. Furthermore, Lyte Fiber is backed by SDC Capital Partners LLC’s $2.1 billion Digital Infrastructure Opportunity Fund IV. Lyte Fiber has access to substantial funding through this capital commitment. Such financial capacity ensures the financial stability of Lyte Fiber, as well as the project, with sufficient resources to (1) cover the match, (2) fund project costs prior to reimbursement, (3) complete the project without delay and (4) assure its long-term financial sustainability.