Bay Springs, Mississippi (October 3, 2023) -TEC, a leading rural broadband provider, has successfully completed a milestone project, bringing high-speed, fiber-optic internet to Stringer, Moss, Taylorsville, and Hickory communities. This ReConnect initiative enables more than 1,900 homes and businesses to access Gigabit-speed internet, spanning a network of more than 130 miles. TEC secured $5.36 million in federal funding to make high-speed internet a reality for these areas. To supplement this, TEC contributed a $1.56 million cash match and invested an additional $1.04 million to extend services near the grant's focus zones. The total commitment is an impressive $7.96 million.
“Connectivity through quality broadband service is a key to growth and prosperity, especially in rural communities,” Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “Access to broadband internet is vital to people’s ability to work, learn, monitor health, carry out business and keep up with current events. We applaud the efforts of TEC for their ongoing work and investments to provide these residents with this critical service.”
Reliable fiber-optic internet enhances well-being by facilitating telehealth, online education, and remote work. Moreover, high-speed broadband elevates personal leisure experiences, including seamless video streaming and gaming. TEC aims to bridge the digital divide with dependable, cost-effective internet services.
“As each new stretch of Fast Fiber Internet is completed, the rural high-speed gap gets smaller and smaller," said Joey Garner, CEO of TEC. "As a company, we are thrilled to bring this increased broadband coverage to businesses and residents in these Mississippi towns."
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project spans 130 miles, providing connectivity to an additional 1,900 residential and business locations to access Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds and home phone services within Jasper, Smith, and Newton counties. Gigabit-speed internet optimizes the online experience for streamers, gamers, social media enthusiasts, and multi-user households. To sign up for service, visit www.TEC.com/SignUp and fill out a short form, or call us at 833-832-2515.
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 currently maintains approximately 2,000 miles of fiber in its rural markets. For a century, TEC has been a forerunner in providing telecommunications services to rural America and was the first to bring internet options to many of these markets more than 20 years ago. For more information, visit www.TEC.com or social media under the handle, @TECconnects.