Hawai‘i is set to redefine connectivity as Hawaiian Telcom embarks on a $1.7 billion initiative to make the state the first fully fiber-enabled in the U.S. by 2026. This ambitious public-private collaboration aims to bridge the digital divide, transforming homes, businesses, and communities statewide through state-of-the-art fiber technology.
Hawai’i’s Landmark Telcom Deal: The Full Story
Hawaiian Telcom, in partnership with federal, state, and county leaders, announced a $1.7 billion initiative to make Hawai‘i the first fully fiber-enabled state by 2026. The project, which builds on over a decade of fiber expansion, aims to connect every home and business in the state with state-of-the-art fiberoptic technology.
This achievement would be doubly impressive, considering Hawai’i is located some 3,858km from the nearest continent.
Currently, Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber network reaches approximately 60% of the state, covering over 400,000 homes and businesses. This initiative will expand access to the remaining 40%, including underserved rural areas.
Federal and state grants will also contribute $107 million from designated broadband infrastructure funds. Thus, the project represents a public-private collaboration designed to close the digital divide and boost Hawai‘i’s overall connectivity.
The fiber rollout includes recent expansions completed on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi in 2023, with Kaua‘i expected to be finished in February 2025. If all goes to plan, Maui will follow by the end of the year, and O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island by late 2026.
This investment is an exciting new chapter in our 140-year history,” said Su Shin, Hawaiian Telcom president.
Governor Josh Green added, “This is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships and a clear demonstration of how we can create lasting value for our community by working together.”
The Political and Community Impact of Hawai‘i’s Fiber Expansion
The $1.7 billion fiber expansion initiative will significantly impact the state’s residents and is being heavily supported by its political representatives. Leaders at all levels have emphasized the transformative potential of universal broadband access.
“This new plan reflects the work we’ve done to deliver record federal investments in broadband infrastructure for Hawai‘i,” said U.S. Senator Brian Schatz.
“More residents and businesses will be able to access high-speed internet, better connect with each other, and discover more opportunities to improve their lives and support Hawai‘i’s economy.”
The initiative focuses on bridging the digital divide, particularly in rural and underserved areas. “Access to broadband and the internet is a fundamental right,” said U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda. “This significant investment... will give Hawaiʻi residents the ability to thrive and succeed in this digital age.”
Local leaders echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of equitable connectivity. Kaua‘i Mayor Derek Kawakami stressed, “Rural communities should be afforded the same opportunities to digital access as anywhere else in the world.”
By connecting homes, businesses, and essential services across the islands, the initiative promises to enhance education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Not only will it bring Hawai’i’s connectivity up to par with other parts of the nation, but it will leapfrog even some of the most developed states of the continental US.
Its role in fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all residents cannot be overstated, as the island seeks to recover from the devastating wildfires of August 2023. The inferno destroyed over 2,200 structures and caused approximately $5.5 billion in damages, crippling much of the island's infrastructure.
About Hawaiian Telecom
Founded in 1883 under the Kingdom of Hawai‘i as the Mutual Telephone Company, Hawaiian Telcom is the state’s leading telecommunications provider. Headquartered in Honolulu, it delivers high-speed internet, video, voice, data network solutions, security, and managed and cloud services to residential, business, and wholesale customers across the islands.
Hawaiian Telcom operates Hawai‘i’s largest next-generation fiber network, offering speeds of up to 3 Gigabits per second and serving over 400,000 homes and businesses.
The company has significantly invested in its infrastructure, including the South East Asia–U.S. (SEA-US) undersea cable system. Since 2017, Hawaiian Telcom has contributed over $5.5 million to local nonprofits, focusing on digital equity to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.
In 2018, Cincinnati Bell (now Altafiber) acquired Hawaiian Telcom for $650 million and later integrated into Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets in 2021, expanding its reach to a global infrastructure network. The company has grown dramatically, with a team of over 1,100, making it a significant employer of high-quality jobs in the island state.
Conclusion
Hawai‘i’s $1.7 billion fiber expansion is more than a technological leap; it’s a commitment to equity, resilience, and progress. As the islands recover from recent challenges like the 2023 wildfires, this initiative stands as a beacon of innovation, connecting every resident to opportunities that foster growth and unity in a digital age.