U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, on Friday said that Cullman Electric Cooperative’s phase one fiber project, “Is a great step forward for rural broadband.”
“As you may know, one of my top priorities in Congress is tackling the issue of rural broadband,” Aderholt said. “This is something that impacts so many people in our district on a daily basis, and it’s simply unacceptable. Right now, there are two different America’s, one that has access to high quality, high speed broadband, and one that does not. We have to fix this. That’s why I created the ReConnect Program years ago and pushed to include broadband funding in the COVID-19 relief bills we passed earlier this year. However, government can’t be the only solution to this problem – and luckily, here in our district we have organizations taking the matter into their own hands.”
“Cullman Electric Cooperative just introduced their phase one fiber project plan last week, and I am thrilled about the work they are doing,” Aderholt explained. “This is a great step forward for rural broadband in Alabama, and I am happy that these wonderful folks are right here in our community. One day rural America will have high quality, high speed broadband like the rest of the country, and we will be able to thank groups like Cullman EC for making it happen.”
Economic developer Dr. Nicole Jones told the Alabama Political Reporter, “High-speed internet is needed for jobs, health care, public safety, education, and quality of life. When potential large-scale employers are evaluating potential sites in the state of Alabama, almost every company inquires about access to broadband. Many rural counties do not initially have the tax base or level of population to fund the infrastructure needed for high-speed internet. As a response to the growing need for connectivity, financial assistance in the form of grants for service providers will help supply high-speed internet service to our rural areas. A team effort is essential to achieve the goal of broadband accessibility, which includes state assistance for the infrastructure administered by ADECA, federal assistance through the USDA, and private sector investments.”
“One of the most recent direct results of teamwork between the public and private sector includes Sprout Fiber Internet,” Dr. Jones explained. “Administered by Cullman Electric Cooperative, Sprout Fiber Internet will connect portions of Cullman County and Winston County with fiber at approximately 100 to 200 gig capacity. Phase One will serve some commercial areas and about 12,000 members. Residents can go to Cullman Electric Cooperative’s website (www.cullmanec.com/sprout) and input their address to verify coverage. Cullman Electric will host a series of community outreach events starting in July to discuss upcoming plans. The partnership with Cullman Electric is a tremendous achievement for the area and is only the beginning. High-speed internet will be supplied in ten phases. We look forward to seeing the benefits in our local communities.”
Aderholt is in his 12th term representing Alabama’s Fourth Congressional District.
