Meridiam, a prominent sustainable infrastructure investment firm, has initiated groundbreaking for a groundbreaking fiber project aimed at delivering broadband access to the underserved Black Belt region of Alabama. This transformative initiative involves the development, construction, financing, and management of a high-speed fiber-optic network. Upon completion, this network will extend broadband connectivity to 53,000 households and businesses spanning over 300 miles.
Remarkably, this endeavor incurs no costs for local governments or taxpayers. Yellowhammer Networks, a fiber-to-the-premises network developer owned and funded by Meridiam, has pledged full financial support for the project, amounting to a significant investment of $230 million across the region. Yellowhammer will also provide strategic, technical, and operational assistance to ensure the project’s success.
Omnipoint, serving as the initial ISP partner for the open access network, will introduce new, reliable, and affordable fiber broadband services to schools, businesses, and households across Selma, Demopolis, and the wider Alabama Black Belt region. The network’s coverage will extend to Bibb, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Sumter, and Wilcox counties.
Nicolas Rubio, CEO for the Americas at Meridiam, emphasized the firm’s commitment to bridging critical fiber infrastructure gaps and addressing the digital divide that marginalizes millions. Mayor James Perkins echoed the sentiment, underlining the necessity of high-speed broadband as a fundamental utility in today’s digital landscape.
This project forms part of Meridiam’s extensive investment in digital infrastructure, totaling over $2.7 billion, with the aim of connecting more than 1.3 million homes, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Meridiam firmly believes in the transformative power of high-speed internet access to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity across society.
Since its inception in 2005, Meridiam has remained steadfast in its mission to deliver sustainable and transformative infrastructure worldwide, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The firm manages over 120 projects focused on low-carbon solutions, sustainable mobility, and critical public services across Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
Meridiam’s dedication to sustainable infrastructure development has earned it recognition as a Certified B Corporation™ and a trusted partner to the public sector. With an extensive portfolio and deep industry expertise, Meridiam continues to drive positive impact and resilience in communities worldwide.
Meridiam is a leading infrastructure developer, investor, and manager committed to delivering sustainable and resilient infrastructure for the long term. As an independent investment Certified B Corporation™, Meridiam specializes in developing, financing, and managing sustainable infrastructure assets across sustainable mobility, critical public services, and low-carbon solutions sectors. With a global presence spanning multiple offices, Meridiam has invested over US$80 billion across more than 120 assets to date. Certified for its commitment to quality and sustainability, Meridiam applies a proprietary methodology based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to drive positive impact and uphold the highest standards of integrity and environmental responsible
