Bay Springs, Miss (June 29, 2021) --- TEC, a leading provider of Fast Fiber Internet across the Southeast, has broken ground on a project that will provide high-speed internet to the Pelahatchie community. Construction has started on Highway 80 and is scheduled to be completed in early fourth quarter of 2021 with service installations to begin shortly after. The Pelahatchie expansion is part of a TEC regional project worth an estimated $96 Million investment to construct high-speed broadband infrastructure over the next six years.
The total project will provide Fast Fiber Internet access to over 23,000 families and businesses in rural Mississippi, connecting more Mississippians with the world. 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 be funding to build and deliver broadband access to Copiah, Covington, Jasper, Lawrence, Lincoln, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.
“Access to high-speed broadband internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn and carry out business,” Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “I continue to applaud TEC’s assertive efforts to advance their broadband expansion projects to bring high-speed internet to the residents and businesses of Pelahatchie, MS and in other areas of the Central District.”
TEC’s goal is to bridge the digital divide by providing a reliable, high-speed internet option that ultimately has positive impact in the communities which it serves. With Fast Fiber Internet from TEC, residents can telecommute, easily access digital learning, work with physicians by telemedicine, and stream online video services.
“Our aggressive goals of expanding our service area paired with innovative grant opportunities from State and Federal government are truly changing the economic landscape in Mississippi for the better,” said Joey Garner, TEC Executive Vice President. “TEC was started here in Mississippi and has been serving our customers for nearly 100 years. We are excited to see this expansion continue throughout the state, and we will always look for creative solutions like this to best serve our customers and best equip our rural communities with the services they need.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The current project covers more than 50 miles and can connect over 450 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds, home security, and phone services to Scott County. 1 Gig internet connections give the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home. If you are interested in signing up for service, go to www.TEC.com/SignUp to complete a quick form.