BATESVILLE, MS – April 1, 2021 – Senator Roger Wicker and Commissioner Brendan Carr of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) visited the TVIfiber headquarters in Batesville, Mississippi, today. They came to support the company’s efforts to expand high-speed internet. They met with TVIfiber CEO, Brad Robison, and CSpire’s Chris Champion.
$20 Million Secured for TVIfiber RDOF Funding
The visit celebrated a major win for Tallahatchie Valley EPA and its subsidiary, TVIfiber. Through the FCC’s reverse auction, the organization successfully secured over $20 Million in TVIfiber RDOF funding from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF).
This vital initiative, funded by the FCC’s Universal Service Fund, helps rural areas. It partners with providers like TVIfiber and invests in their efforts to bridge the digital divide. The goal is to provide essential high-speed internet service.
Mississippi’s $500 Million Investment
Commissioner Carr discussed the need for fiber broadband. He and Senator Wicker had previously seen the cutting-edge telemedicine programs in Mississippi. Both agreed that for these initiatives to succeed, rural areas must have a reliable high-speed connection.
Carr shared exciting news about the state’s investment: “We (the FCC) have now planned and will deliver 500 million dollars, just in the state of Mississippi. That’s going to build out high-speed connections to 220,000 homes and businesses.”
RDOF’s Positive Impact on Rural Co-ops
Brad Robison explained the beneficial impact of the RDOF funds. 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 strong working relationship between TVIfiber and CSpire. They explored how the two Mississippi companies can continue to collaborate for the state’s infrastructure.
A New Era for Rural America
Senator Wicker confirmed that this program is exciting for rural America. He compared it to the historic decision to engage in rural electrification years ago.
“Electric power associations across the nation made the difference in rural America,” he stated. The support from the RDOF program promises significant benefits: “This is job creation for America. This is work opportunities for young people to stay where they want to stay, because this broadband connectivity will bring the world to places like Batesville, Mississippi.”
TVIfiber’s Commitment to Fiber-to-the-Home
TVEPA’s commitment began in 2019. It was Mississippi’s first electric cooperative to start bringing fiber to the home through TVIfiber. The TVIfiber RDOF funding will specifically advance construction efforts in the unserved and underserved rural service areas.
Robison concluded by thanking Senator Wicker and Commissioner Carr for their support. “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.”