Bay Springs, Mississippi (August 17, 2022) – TEC, a leading rural broadband provider, has broken ground in Mize. This project will create connectivity for more than 450 households and businesses by providing access to Gigabit speed internet. The completed project will expand Fast Fiber Internet access to more than 23,000 families and businesses in rural Mississippi, allowing access to such services as distance education and telemedicine. TEC was one of 386 competing companies in the November 2020, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) auction, which awarded $9 billion for the provision of broadband internet to unserved and underserved areas throughout the United States. TEC, with the assistance of the FCC, will fund the building and delivery of broadband access to Copiah, Covington, Jasper, Lawrence, Lincoln, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.
“Southern Pine is pleased that TEC is moving into another area and beginning a new project that will benefit many of our members and their customers,” states Jan Collins, Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Southern Pine Electric Cooperative. “We encourage everyone to sign up as soon as you can.”
Dependable fiber internet connections offer improved quality of life through telemedicine, distance learning, and work-from-home options. Additionally, high-speed broadband provides personal enjoyment, such as streaming videos or gaming. TEC’s goal is to minimize the broadband access gap by providing a reliable, high-quality, and affordable internet solution.
“Our goal is to expand high-speed broadband availability to everyone in the communities we serve. That access is vital in order to take advantage of all the conveniences and opportunities available in today's world," TEC President and CEO Joey Garner stated. "For nearly a century now, it has been our mission to make our customers' lives better through connection, and we remain dedicated to that commitment."
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project covers an estimated 55 miles and will connect an additional 450 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds and home phone services to these communities. One Gig internet connections give the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home. Those interested in signing up for service should go to www.TEC.com/SignUp to complete a short form.