Bay Springs, Miss (July 12, 2022) --- TEC, a leading provider of fiber internet to rural communities, has completed its second project in Smith County. This project is one of many in an estimated $96 million investment to provide high-speed broadband access in central Mississippi, which TEC expects to complete over the next six years. The total project will provide 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 grant, is funding the construction and delivery of broadband access to Copiah, Covington, Jasper, Lawrence, Lincoln, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.
“We are pleased that TEC has completed the Raleigh south project which will develop more than 70 miles of fiber infrastructure and connect an additional 700 residential and business accounts to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds, home security, and phone services to Raleigh and extended rural areas of Smith County,” states Jan Collins, Vice President of Communication and Government Relations. “This is the power of working together for the benefit of our members.”
TEC’s goal is to bridge the digital divide by providing a reliable, high-speed internet option that ultimately has a positive impact on the communities it serves. With reliable Fast Fiber Internet from TEC, customers can work remotely, access digital learning, consult with physicians via telemedicine, and enjoy video streaming services.
“Greater broadband access helps drive growth in rural areas by providing people with dependable connections to schools, businesses, and healthcare,” said Joey Garner, President and CEO of TEC. “High-speed internet access is vital to take advantage of online services that have become essential in today’s world. TEC is committed to bringing this access to the communities we serve.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The current project will develop more than 70 miles of fiber infrastructure and connect an additional 700 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds, home security, and phone services to Raleigh and extended areas of Smith County. 1 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 can visit www.TEC.com/SignUp to complete a quick form.