Consortium-driven backbone will deliver scalable, carrier-class infrastructure connecting underserved markets to major data centers and internet exchanges
Kansas City, MO., February 16, 2026 – Bridged Broadband today announced the deployment of a new high-capacity regional transport network creating a scalable backbone designed to connect rural broadband providers, wholesale carriers and enterprise customers to major data centers and internet exchanges across the Midwest.
The new network will span approximately 2,500 route miles and initially include 47 points of presence (PoPs) across Missouri, with connectivity transversing several states reaching directly to Kansas City. Built as a consortium network, Bridged Broadband aggregates infrastructure from multiple independent providers into a unified, carrier-class platform that delivers energy efficient next-generation services and global connectivity.
Bridged Broadband’s transport network is designed to support broadband service providers, wireless carriers, enterprises, government and education organizations by delivering diverse, high-capacity routes that enable direct access to internet exchanges and data centers. By extending Tier-1 network capabilities into historically underserved regions, the initiative aims to strengthen economic development and accelerate digital transformation in rural communities.
“Our vision is to bridge the gap between rural networks and the advanced digital infrastructure typically found only in major metro markets,” said Michael Brigman, President & CEO. “By building a highly scalable, carrier-grade backbone, we’re empowering our members and customers with the reliability, diversity and future-ready capacity they need to deliver innovative services to their communities.”
The next-generation network leverages Nokia’s IP and optical solution, an 800G service-level ready architecture designed to support rapid traffic growth, edge data center AI-connectivity and emerging bandwidth-intensive applications. Bridged Broadband is also implementing Nokia’s transport-optimized coherent routing capabilities using NSP and WaveSuite to streamline operations across optical and routing domains through a unified management environment, helping improve efficiency as the network expands.
“With Bridged Broadband’s unique consortium approach, the company is creating a powerful regional backbone that brings new opportunities to rural markets,” said Tim Mahoney, VP of Sales at Nokia. “By combining high-capacity optical and IP technology with intelligent automation, Bridged Broadband is building a flexible foundation that can evolve with customer demand while delivering reliable connectivity to communities that need it most.”
About Bridged Broadband
Bridged Broadband is a next-generation network provider based in Kansas City, Missouri delivering high-capacity, diverse fiber infrastructure across the Midwest. With a focus on underserved and rural markets, Bridged Broadband deploys state-of-the-art optical transport and IP networking to enable scalable, resilient and cost-effective connectivity for service providers, enterprises, and public-sector organizations. Bridged Broadband is a proud member of INDATEL, further underscoring its commitment to advancing high-quality connectivity in rural and underserved communities. For more information: www.bridgedbb.com and LinkedIn.
For media inquiries, please contact marketing@bridgedbb.com.
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