Fiber internet provider invests over $31 million in St. Pete

Multiple fiber-optic internet providers have set their sights on St. Petersburg, and the latest to announce plans for a new network has already commenced construction.

Missouri-based HyperFiber will invest $31.5 million into its local high-speed network, part of a $131.5 million statewide expansion. The company quietly launched its initial construction phase March 3.

CEO Dan Kennedy said HyperFiber would begin welcoming new customers in 60 to 90 days. The community-focused company has also proactively secured a spot on the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation’s (EDC) Leadership Board.

“When we come along and decide we’re going to build in this city, we have to have a partnership,” Kennedy said. “Everybody has to kind of work together to make this happen.”

He called St. Petersburg a “wonderful market” and the next logical Florida market for HyperFiber. While the company’s plans lack contracts, its motto is “Internet. For Life.”

Buried fiber-optic service, typically more resilient to high winds than cable, is unavailable for most St. Petersburg residents. The networks use light rather than copper to transmit data, which enables higher upload and download speeds.

Residents yearning for additional internet options – Spectrum currently dominates the broadband cable market – could soon have multiple options. Jacksonville-based IQ Fiber recently announced plans to establish local service and open a St. Petersburg office by the end of 2025.

Kennedy said HyperFiber has already hired local employees. About 10 or 11 people will soon staff a St. Petersburg office as the company establishes an area foothold.

“We’re full steam ahead,” Kennedy added. “My expectation is within the next 90 days, we’ll be lighting up our first big batch of customers.”

Dan Kennedy, CEO of HyperFiber.

The company will buy new customers out of their current contracts and offers one-gigabyte service with a guaranteed $85 monthly price “for life.” Installation and equipment are free.

HyperFiber’s initial construction phase will encompass over 23,000 serviceable residences. Kennedy said network redundancies will ensure reliable connections unless “all power is lost.”

He noted the company installed additional redundancies in South Florida. Kennedy said customers subsequently “were hardly affected” by storm-induced outages.

He has spent much of his career providing internet services in rural areas where he knew “everybody in the town.” That fostered HyperFiber’s community-focused approach.

Kennedy said every employee has the autonomy and authority to resolve customer issues. Leadership ensures they have a product “they can stand behind.” He also pledged that St. Petersburg residents would frequently see staff in the community.

“We have a good working relationship with the city because it’s very hard to do this,” Kennedy said. “Cities understand that and, more importantly, appreciate our approach.

“Every community is very sensitive to their streets and yards being torn up. We try to leave it better than we found it.”

Kennedy said HyperFiber has dedicated “green teams” to mitigate property disruptions and oversee restoration efforts. In a prepared statement, Mike Swesey, CEO of the EDC, said the company embodies St. Petersburg’s inclusive and welcoming culture.

Chris Steinocher, CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, credited the company’s “sincere passion for caring” about residents. “Fast, reliable internet access is crucial in ensuring St. Petersburg remains a vibrant, connected and forward-thinking city,” he said.

While Kennedy plans to “out-local the competition,” he realizes issues will inevitably arise. He said the company remains in constant contact with city officials and homeowners and does not shy away from highlighting “what happens when something breaks” and “what we do to fix it.”

Kennedy noted that the pandemic changed how people use the internet. Symmetrical fiber-optic upload and download speeds particularly benefit those who work from home and video conferencing.

Kennedy called the network future-proof and said it would continuously evolve to accommodate new technology. However, most upgrades will not extend beyond new in-home equipment.

“Consumers now have choices,” Kennedy said. “And we’re excited to be able to offer it.”