We did too. It was November 4, and apparently has been held every year since 2013, when it was initiated by the FTTH Council Global Alliance (FCGA) to bring recognition to the social and economic benefits of FTTH. The Fiber Broadband Association (FBA), in celebration, announced last week that it awarded its Dr. Charles Kao (the inventor of fiber optics) Award to Tombigbee Communications. This annual award recognizes individuals, organizations and companies that leverage innovation to connect communities with fiber optic technology.
The FBA selected Tombigbee as this year’s award winner for its accomplishments in bringing fiber broadband to unserved regions in Northwest Alabama. Steve Foshee, CEO at Tombigbee Communications, was cited for organizing the state’s first broadband partnership between an investor-owned utility and an electric cooperative, Tombigbee Communications teamed up with Alabama Power to use existing infrastructure to offer high-speed broadband services. Tombigbee Communications will lease available capacity on fiber infrastructure, used by Alabama Power on its electric grid for reliable and resilient service, as additional support for its backbone network to reach and connect its customers.
“Steve Foshee is a pioneer in rural electric coop broadband. Under his leadership, Tombigbee is building a fiber broadband network to every home and business that desires to have it in the six counties they serve,” said Fiber Broadband Association President/CEO Gary Bolton. “Congratulations to Steve and Tombigbee Communications on the positive impact that they are making in rural America. It is commitment like theirs that enables the delivery of unlimited capacity that will unleash limitless possibilities for communities everywhere.”
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