Joey Garner Louina Road is the next area to begin enjoying the benefits of TEC’s new fiber optic broadband network. Crews have begun installing fiber optic cable in downtown Roanoke, and TEC plans to complete the construction in the Dickert Community in December. The total cost of this project is $882,519 and is being funded by a grant in the amount of $190,800 from the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. TEC will contribute the additional funding in the amount of $691,719.
“Broadband is more important now than ever, and we are one step closer to offering our customers the same life-changing technology that is typically only available in large urban cities,” says TEC Executive Vice President Joey Garner. “When completed, our customers will have access to dependable, fast fiber internet speeds rivaled by none.”
Garner acknowledges that TEC’s fiber deployment plan is a challenge, but the company is dedicated to providing increased internet access and opportunities to their residential and business customers served in Alabama
“Nothing worthwhile is easy,” she says. “We are committed to providing the community with this life-changing, state-of-the-art technology. Our efforts to keep people connected with fiber internet will have an incredibly positive impact on our friends and neighbors.”
Fiber optic broadband is a future-proof technology that increases property values and improves the quality of life. Fiber broadband means better access to health care through telemedicine, more educational opportunities through distance learning, increased opportunities for economic development, and of course a better video streaming and gaming experience. The potential is unlimited.
When completed, the project will connect 274 homes and include about 11 square miles.
“TEC has done a wonderful job of going out and seeking available funds. There are many areas in rural Alabama that do not have adequate access to broadband, and TEC is helping establish that; I am very proud of the work they are doing,” says Alabama House of Representative 37th District Bob Fincher.
TEC has been providing telecom services to rural America for nearly a century, and they were the first to bring internet options to its rural markets over 20 years ago. TEC provides economic stability to their local service areas, employing over 90 people across Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Currently, TEC has invested in and maintains approximately 3,700 miles of copper and over 1,300 miles of fiber in its rural markets.