ERIN, Tenn. (September 2, 2021) – TEC, a leading provider of rural internet, has completed construction of its Benton County Fast Fiber Internet project in the northern area of Big Sandy. The completion of the project will connect an additional 500 homes and businesses in Big Sandy. The company has already invested over $2.3 million into broadband infrastructure in Benton County, including rolling out service to the downtown area of Big Sandy and parts of Eva, Holladay and Sugartree.
“Benton County Electric System is honored to work with TEC for many years in reaching these underserved communities,” says Scott Owens, General Manager of Benton County Electric System. “Our open and mutual alliances allow TEC to connect more homes in Benton County using our open-access fiber model. Benton County Electric’s service helps TEC reach the areas, where TEC is able to build and connect the homes to a cutting-edge high-speed fiber-optic Internet network. Once a dream for citizens is now quickly becoming a reality. Enabling opportunities like never before.”
Reliable internet service has become more important than ever, providing benefits like the ability to work from home, and to attend online education and virtual doctor’s appointments. Newly gained access to high-speed broadband also greatly improves the economic landscape for existing businesses and for potential businesses that want to locate in the Big Sandy area.
“TEC is pleased to provide fiber internet service to almost 2,000 locations in Benton county. Access to this level of high-speed broadband is life changing for many households”, says Lisa Wigington, TEC Vice President of Strategic Operations. “Having the ability to participate in school virtually, attend doctor’s appointments through telemedicine, work from home, stream your favorite movies or all of these at once are now possible with Fast Fiber Internet.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project covers more than 20 miles and will connect 500 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds and home phone services to Big Sandy. 1 Gig internet connections give the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home.