$750,000 grant to bring high speed internet to more communities awarded

WINSTON COUNTY     - Governor Kay Ivey has announced  an over $188 million statewide high speed internet expansion project, including $757,000 solely for in Winston County.
The grants, totaling $188,453,905, were awarded to 12 internet service providers throughout the state to provide more than 4,000 miles of middle-mile projects, according to the governor’s press release.
One of the 12 internet service providers to receive a portion is Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, which is receiving $757,479, affecting not only 50 miles, but also 22 anchor institutions, such as schools, hospitals, medical facilities, government and public safety buildings, Ivey stated.

“Rural Alabama, like so many other places in the state, is in need of increased access to high speed internet.  We are taking a significant stride in our journey toward full broadband access,” Ivey stated.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the program through the Alabama Digital Expansion Division, which was established by the state legislature and Ivey to focus on high-speed internet expansion.
The actual broadband expansion project for Winston County alone is around $1 million, with $757,479 provided by ADECA, and Tombigbee providing a $250,000 match, officials said.
The actual product Tombigbee will be offered to the public is known as Freedom Fiber, according to Tombigbee CEO Britton Lightsey.
Lightsey told the Alabamian that the areas to be affected include certain areas west of Smith Lake covered by Tombigbee Electric, starting from Highway 195 and affecting Pebble and Ashridge,  Double Springs, Lynn and Natural Bridge.