Fast Fiber Internet is now a reality for more of Rankin County

Mar. 14, 2021

Source: TEC Newsroom

Bay Springs, Miss (March 14, 2021) --- TEC, a leading provider of fiber internet to rural communities, has completed its second project in the town of Pelahatchie. This project is the second of an estimated $96 million infrastructure investment to provide high-speed broadband access to 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, will be funding to build and deliver broadband access to Copiah, Covington, Jasper, Lawrence, Lincoln, Newton, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, and Smith counties.

“I feel with this service that it will provide an opportunity for all our residents to have access to the internet,” states Mayor of Pelahatchie, Karl Vanhorn. “For our students that have to use the internet than they will be able to complete their required work faster and be able to learn better.”

“Southern Pine is very excited about the progress TEC is making to provide fast fiber internet to many of our rural members”, says Jan Collins Vice President of Communications and Government Relations at Southern Pine Electric Co-op. “If you have not already done so, please visit their website to sign up when available in your area. The Power of Connection, working for you!”

Fast Fiber Internet installations are actively underway in the community. Pelahatchie residents will now have access reliable fiber internet connections that create an improved quality of life through telemedicine, distance learning, and work from home options. Additionally, high-speed broadband can provide personal enjoyment, such as streaming videos or gaming.

“TEC is excited to be the first to bring Fast Fiber Internet to Pelahatchie,” states Joey F. Garner, President and CEO of TEC. “We are looking forward to seeing the positive economic impacts this newly gained access will bring to area. Having the access to Fast Fiber Internet allows for more people to connect with loved ones, work, and educational opportunities."

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The current project completes more than 50 miles of fiber infrastructure and connects an additional 1,000 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds, home security, and phone services to Pelahatchie. 1 Gig internet connections give the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home.