Many years back electricity was not available to all residents of rural areas. Some people had access to electricity, and others did not. What many rural residents are currently experiencing is very similar, but the need now is for broadband access. As different as citizens’ needs for electricity and broadband might be in their daily lives, the lack of adequate delivery infrastructure shares the same solution, our electric co-ops.
In the 1940’s our electric co-ops made the commitment to invest in infrastructure needed to deliver an electric current to residents in rural areas and today they are working to solve the lack of broadband access. This past week I attended an event at Central Alabama Electric Cooperative’s (CAEC) office where their wholly owned subsidiary named Central Access commemorated the start of construction of broadband infrastructure in our area.
The information distributed by Central Access during the event shows this infrastructure project will involve installing a 400 mile fiber optic loop to connect CAEC’s 24 substations and 6 offices with broadband services being offered to eligible customers within Phase 1 of this fiber loop. Specific address eligibility can be determined at the Central Access website.
I applaud CAEC, their President/CEO Tom Stackhouse and the CAEC Board of Directors for having the vision to make this investment that will once again serve to improve the quality of life for not only their members but all citizens.
I look forward to continuing to work with the Elmore County Economic Development Authority in their effort to attract investment in broadband delivery infrastructure in Elmore county. The lack of broadband access in underserved areas will not be quickly solved, but I intend on keeping the focus on this issue for many years.
Take time to complete the broadband accessibility survey the Elmore County Economic Development Authority has published which is a part of their countywide broadband study currently taking place. Many people have asked what can they do to help improve broadband availability in Elmore county and this is an opportunity to assist in that effort.
Thanks,
Bart
