Freedom Fiber’s most recent expansion into Lamar County and the remaining Marion County has been halted due to sacred Native American land. The Native Americans involved have to approve the construction to move forward.
The potential Native American tribes involved have been reached out too, and have been held up on other matters concerning COVID-19. Once approved or 30 days have passed, the construction of Freedom Fiber will continue expansion at full speed, allowing many people the opportunity to be a part of Freedom Fiber’s network.
“It is very close now. Construction crews are ready to build in the rural areas of Lamar County, and we are very ready to start once final approval is in,” said Steve Foshee, president and CEO of Tombigbee Electric Cooperative. “We are very grateful to the USDA for the ReConnect grant, but part of it includes environmental issues that Tombigbee has been working with the Rural Utilities Service of the USDA to get approval.”
Freedom Fiber plans to start in downtown Vernon, AL, and expand to the more rural areas. The connecting of Lamar, Marion, Fayette, Franklin, Winston and Walker counties are a part of the ReConnect Pilot Program Grant, which provides $30 million for underserved areas to be connected to high speed broadband.
The time frame Freedom Fiber will start will be within three weeks because the 30 day period will be up. The time of completion for the areas depends on many factors, but Lamar County is projected to be within 18 months. To get on the list for freedom FIBER, please visit www.join.freedomfiber.com to register today!
