Northwest Alabama Gets a HUGE Internet Boost!

Get ready, folks! A game-changing fiber-to-home internet project just wrapped up in rural Northwest Alabama, bringing blazingly fast internet access to a whopping 100,000 residents!

The Dream Becomes Reality

Tombigbee Electric Cooperative poured a massive $145 million into this epic project, laying down an incredible 4,200 miles of fiber optic cable. Can you believe it?

Local Leaders Celebrate

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, and a host of other officials gathered to celebrate this monumental achievement. It's a big deal for the region!

Freedom FIBER is Here!

Tombigbee Communications, the co-op's subsidiary, spearheaded the project under its Freedom FIBER brand, bringing high-speed internet to eight Alabama counties. This project fulfills a long-held vision and stays true to the cooperative spirit: connecting everyone.

Leaving No One Behind

Britton Lightsey, president and CEO of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, emphasized the core mission: "to take service to everyone and not leave anyone out," just like the original Rural Electrification Act.

A Real Community Effort

The celebration was held at Tombigbee Electric’s HQ, drawing over 250 attendees. Rep. Aderholt recalled the initial USDA ReConnect Program announcement, highlighting the shared goal of ensuring equal internet access for rural communities.

Still Growing!

With over 27,000 customers already connected, Tombigbee is adding approximately three dozen more connections every single day. They are still collecting service registrations too!

Local Support is Key

Lightsey thanked Gov. Ivey, the Legislature, Rep. Aderholt, and others for their unwavering support. He emphasized Tombigbee's commitment to serving the entire area, unlike other providers.

Keeping it Local

"If you have any issue, you are calling Hamilton, Alabama!" Lightsey proudly stated. Money spent on Freedom FIBER stays right here, reinvesting in the very communities it serves. Pretty cool, huh?