Mississippi currently has 12 broadband expansion projects in the works, reported DeSoto County News. Seven projects are underway through the Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP), and five more were recently approved by the NTIA.
“The state of Mississippi is expanding broadband to all corners of the state,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “This investment will further our longstanding efforts to connect Mississippians regardless of their zip code or location.”
In 2022, Mississippi was awarded over $32 million to fund BIP projects, anticipating expansion to 8,416 households lacking access. The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi oversees the fund in addition to the $151 million Capital Projects Fund and the $1.2 billion in funding provided by the BEAD grants from NTIA.
The initial seven projects will deliver service to 5,837 households and 255 businesses in Calhoun, Coahoma, Covington, Issaquena, Lincoln, Madison, and Smith counties. The five new projects will provide service to 2,579 households and 44 businesses across areas of Lincoln County (Bude and Lower Meadville Rd), Pearl River County (Poplarville), and Tunica County (the communities of Clack and Fish Camp). DeSoto County News reported that all twelve projects must be completed by September 2024.
Reader Interactions