BATESVILLE — On Sept. 11, just 224 days after the Mississippi Legislature passed the Broadband Enabling Act, Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVEPA) accepted the first delivery of fiber-optic cable and is set to begin installation of high-speed fiber.
This milestone occurs barely one month after TVEPA became the first Mississippi rural cooperative to announce creation of a separate, private, not-for profit company to offer high-speed internet.
Tallahatchie Valley Internet Services, with the trade name TVI-Fiber, was formed to provide fiber to the home and gigabit speeds across the utility’s nine-county area.
“TVEPA has received our initial order of fiber and is ready to begin phased construction build-out to provide accessible, reliable high-speed internet to our members,” said Brad Robison, TVEPA chief executive officer.
“Our rollout will occur in stages over the next 48 months. We are excited about the possibilities and opportunities broadband brings for economic development, education and entertainment for the communities we serve,” Robison added.
TVEPA board members recently joined Robison and TVEPA employees to celebrate and commemorate this historic first step to offer rural broadband.
“We have a dedicated and competent team of employees and board members who are committed to this process,” said Robison.
“After receiving overwhelming response from our members and completing multiple feasibility studies, we are confident this is the right direction for us,” he noted. “Each electric cooperative across the state is different. Each one will evaluate their own coverage area and circumstances to decide what is best for their membership.”
TVI-Fiber will be the broadband service provider, offering service packages and equipment along with installation and 24/7 customer service.
TVI-Fiber will soon offer capability for online enrollment and service installation. Members will be able to follow progress, sign up for updates and, in time, order service and set up installation via a new website, currently under construction.
“TVEPA members will have the choice if they want to subscribe to high-speed internet, regardless of their rural location,” said Robison. “This diversification of services will not impact their electric bill whatsoever but will provide them a high-speed internet option.
“Our goal is to provide superior service and product at competitive prices for every member that desires access to gigabit speeds.”
IN THE PHOTO: Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association officials pose with the first spool of fiber-optic cable delivered to the utility for internet. TVEPA has formed a not-for-profit affiliate to bring high-speed internet to the utility’s nine-county service area of rural Mississippi under the TVI-Fiber brand. From left are Brad Robison, CEO; Kim Hollowell; Robert Chapman; Jeff Herron; Will Hays II, board president; Sheila Melton; Gene Standrige, board secretary; and Charles Davis. (Photo courtesy of TVEPA)
