Created: Aug 19, 2024 // Updated: Aug 19, 2024

Jackson, Mississippi (August 14, 2024) - TEC, a leading provider of rural broadband services, has broken ground on an expansive project to enhance digital connectivity in parts of Simpson, Newton, Copiah, and Lawrence counties. This Reconnect initiative will include three phases of major construction, increasing Gigabit-speed internet access by an estimated 568 miles. Phase one will begin in Simpson County, followed by phase two in Newton County, and ending with phase three in Copiah and Lawrence Counties. Once completed, this project will provide access to nearly 5,000 residential and business customers in these counties that have previously been underserved. This project is made possible through combined investments nearing $29.6 million by the Rural Utilities Service Reconnect program and TEC.

Dr. Anika Floyd, Vice President of Simpson County Center, commented on the project's transformative potential: “TEC’s expansion in Simpson, Newton, Copiah, and Lawrence counties will revolutionize internet services and improve the quality of life of individuals, businesses, and educational institutions. Expanded access to broadband services will create new opportunities and foster economic growth. TEC’s services will not only be a beacon of light in remote and underserved areas, but personal, professional, and social interactions will also be transformed on a large scale.”

TEC's strategic objective is to help bridge the broadband accessibility gap by providing a reliable, high-quality, affordable internet solution. This amplified connectivity not only fuels local economic development, but also improves the quality of life by enabling telemedicine services, facilitating educational opportunities, and supporting work-from-home capabilities. Moreover, the enhanced broadband service enriches personal experiences, including seamless video streaming and immersive gaming.

“Our newest outreach across these counties underscores our dedication to high-speed, reliable internet for every resident," said Joey F. Garner, CEO of TEC. "We’re thrilled to see our vision take shape each day.”

ABOUT THE PROJECT

This undertaking will cover an estimated 568 miles and will provide connectivity to nearly 5,000 residential and business customers with Fast Fiber Internet, offering symmetrical Gigabit speeds, and home phone services to portions of Copiah, Lawrence, Simpson, and Newton counties. Gigabit internet connections give the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families using multiple devices at home. If you are interested in service, please submit your information at www.TEC.com/SignUp or call us at 833.832.3423.

ABOUT TEC

TEC provides economic stability to its local service areas, employing more than 200 people across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. TEC has invested in and maintains approximately 3,600 miles of fiber in its rural markets. For over a century, TEC has been a forerunner in providing telecommunications services to rural America and was the first to bring internet options to many rural markets more than 20 years ago. For more information, visit www.TEC.com or find us on social media under the handle, @TECconnects.

 


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