Kay Ivey awards $460 million for wider broadband access

Multiple projects in Alabama will be awarded $460 million in total for wider access to broadband internet, said an announcement from Gov. Kay Ivey on Monday. 

The funding comes after a proposal was submitted for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and approved by the approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

It is hoped that approximately 92,000 unserved locations will have greater access to high-speed internet. 

“This approval marks an important step forward in our work to close the digital divide in Alabama,” said Ivey. “Reliable high-speed internet is essential for economic growth, education, healthcare and everyday life. I am proud of the collaboration between our state leaders, ADECA, local communities and providers that made this plan possible. With this progress, we are ensuring that families and businesses across Alabama will have the connectivity they need to thrive in the modern economy.”

71% of the projects will use fiber technology, while 24% will use low-Earth orbit satellite technology and 5% will use hybrid fiber-coaxial technology, said the announcement, which added that it will save tax payers $800 million.

See below for a list of Black Belt communities that could benefit: 

Amazon

• Statewide –$8.83 million to provide access to high-speed internet service to 14,728 locations throughout the state.

Ardmore Telephone Company

• Lowndes County – $2.63 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 251 locations.

More from this section

Slovenia liberal PM claims win over conservatives in tight vote

Griezmann given go-ahead to talk with Orlando City

Russia's Max: The unencrypted super-app being forced on citizens

AT&T – $72.96 million total

• Clarke County – $7.79 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 779 locations.
• Dallas County – $14.45 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 1,487 locations.
• Montgomery County – $4.48 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 862 locations.
• Russell County – $1.12 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 639 locations.
• BRIGHTSPEED – $14.31 million total
• Butler County – $1.73 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 707 locations.
• Crenshaw County – $3.71 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 466 locations.
• Pickens County – $2.39 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 1,804 locations

MSTREET FIBER ALABAMA – $24.21 million total

• Greene County – $2.69 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 384 locations.
• Hale County – $6.37 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 872 locations.
• Marengo County – $3.75 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 511 locations.
• Perry County – $4.79 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 1,167 locations.
• Sumter County – $6.61 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 886 locations.

SPACEX – $7.85 million total

• Statewide – $3.91 million to provide high-speed internet service to 3,461 locations in different parts of the state.
• Bullock County – $41,250 to provide access to high-speed internet service in 48 locations.
• Choctaw County – $138,750 to provide access to high-speed internet service in 160 locations.
• Pike County – $498,000 to provide access to high-speed internet service in 431 locations.
• Wilcox County – $1.47 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 1,534 locations.

WINDSTREAM ALABAMA – $17.86 million total

• Barbour County – $6.19 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 864 locations.
• Macon County – $3.71 million to provide access to high-speed internet service in 531 locations.

“This approval reflects the strong partnership between Alabama, the federal government, internet providers and local communities across our state,” said ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell. “Under Governor Ivey’s leadership, our goal has always been clear – deliver reliable, high-speed internet to every eligible location in Alabama in the most responsible and cost-effective way possible. This plan and these projects position our state to do exactly that while ensuring these investments will support Alabama’s communities, businesses and families for generations to come.”