Grande, based in San Marcos, is building out a high-speed network that offers, cable, telephone and Internet service to businesses and residences. The company says the Marconi optical fiber allows greater network capacity and increased functionality without amplifying the signal periodically.

Grande is installing the Marconi equipment in its broadband network along Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio and in the Houston area. Since February, Grande has offered telecommunications services neighborhoods in Austin, San Marcos, and San Antonio. The company has franchise approvals for 29 cities along the I-35, which allows the company to pass more than 1 million homes over the next five to seven years.