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.