TVEPA TVIfiber RDOF Funding

April 1, 2021

TVEPA TVIfiber RDOF Funding: Securing $20 Million for Rural Broadband

TVIfiber Secures $20 Million in RDOF Funding

The visit celebrated a major achievement for Tallahatchie Valley EPA and its subsidiary, TVIfiber. Through the FCC’s reverse auction and bidding process, the organization secured over $20 Million in funding from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).

This RDOF funding, provided by the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, is a vital initiative designed to partner with internet providers like TVIfiber and invest in their efforts to bridge the digital divide by providing rural areas with essential high-speed internet service.

Mississippi’s Massive High-Speed Connection Investment

Commissioner Carr emphasized the importance of fiber broadband. He and Senator Wicker agreed that to move cutting-edge initiatives like telemedicine forward, rural areas must have a reliable high-speed connection available.

Carr reported on the state’s investment with powerful figures:

• The FCC has planned and will deliver $500 Million just in the state of Mississippi.
• This investment will build out high-speed connections to 220,000 homes and businesses.

How RDOF Funds Impact Rural Co-ops

Brad Robison explained how the RDOF funds will fulfill the objectives of the FCC grant program. He demonstrated that this funding allows rural electric cooperatives to implement a broadband project with greater speed and efficiency.

Robison and Chris Champion also discussed the working relationship between TVIfiber and CSpire, exploring ways the two Mississippi-based companies can continue to collaborate for the betterment of the state.

A New Era for Rural America

Senator Wicker confirmed that this program is exciting news for rural America. He drew a parallel to the past national decision to engage in rural electrification:

“Electric power associations across the nation made the difference in rural America,” he stated.

Wicker added that the support from the RDOF program promises significant benefits:

• This is exciting news. This is job creation for America.
• It creates work opportunities for young people to stay where they want to stay.
• This broadband connectivity will bring the world to places like Batesville, Mississippi.

TVIfiber’s Commitment to Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH)

TVEPA’s commitment to providing world-class broadband and telephone service began in 2019. At that time, it became Mississippi’s first electric cooperative to start bringing fiber to the home through TVIfiber across its nine-county service area. The RDOF funds will specifically advance construction and operation efforts in the unserved and underserved areas within the rural service territory.

Robison concluded by thanking Senator Wicker and Commissioner Carr for their consistent support of rural broadband.

“Senator Wicker, you have been a champion for this cause. Your leadership has made a tremendous impact on bridging the digital divide in the State of Mississippi.”