Optimum has announced network upgrade plans to enable the delivery of multi-gigabit internet speeds across 65 percent of its service footprint by 2028 from around 30 percent.
The investment in broadband network is aimed at doubling the availability of multi-gigabit speeds over the next three years.
Optimum Fiber internet service is currently available at three million passings, representing nearly one third of the company’s footprint.
“By investing in our network, boosting multi-gig speeds, and expanding fiber internet access, we’re not just creating a faster connection — we’re paving the way for innovation and growth for our customers,” said Nate Edwards, Executive Vice President, Network Services at Optimum.
This expansion includes the introduction of mid-split upgrades across areas of the company’s hybrid-coax network, enabling download speeds of up to 2 Gbps downstream, as well as the extension of Optimum’s fiber network, which delivers symmetrical speeds of up to 8 Gbps.
Optimum has expanded its 100 percent fiber network to three million passings, primarily in the New York tri-state area. The company is focused on the expansion of its network, with plans to add an additional 175,000 passings in 2025, the majority of which will be fiber.
Optimum’s network upgrade and fiber expansion are crucial for customers as they ensure faster, more reliable internet to meet the growing demands of modern digital lifestyles. With multi-gigabit speeds reaching 65 percent of its service footprint by 2028, customers will experience enhanced connectivity for activities such as streaming in 4K/8K, cloud gaming, remote work, and smart home integration.
The expansion of its fiber network, now available to three million passings, provides symmetrical speeds of up to 8 Gbps, allowing for seamless online experiences without lag or interruptions. These upgrades also improve reliability and reduce latency, offering a superior gaming and entertainment experience.
Businesses will benefit from increased bandwidth, enabling better collaboration, faster data transfers, and greater efficiency.
With over 95 percent of its network already supporting gigabit speeds, Optimum is not just keeping up with current digital needs but future-proofing its services for evolving technology trends, ensuring customers stay connected at the highest performance levels.
Optimum also revealed its capital expenditure has reached $390 million (+32.1 percent) with capital intensity of 17.5 percent in Q4 2024. In 2024, capital expenditures were $1.4 billion (down 15.9 percent) with capital intensity of 16 percent.
Fiber customer growth accelerated in Q4 2024 and FY 2024 with +57k and +197k fiber additions, respectively. Fiber network penetration reached 18.2 percent at the end of Q4 2024, up from 12.5 percent at the end of Q4 2023.
Fiber passings additions were +68k in Q4 2024 and +227k in FY 2024, reaching 3.0 million fiber passings and 18.2 percent penetration at Y/E 2024.
At the end of 2024, multi-gig speeds were enabled in ~30 percent of the total footprint (on fiber network), with a path to 65 percent multi-gig enabled by year end 2028 through fiber network growth and HFC mid-split upgrades, Optimum said.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
