Gov. Kay Ivey announced major broadband news in rural Alabama on Monday at a press conference in her hometown of Camden.

Ivey is part of a massive $188,453,905 grant awarded to more than a dozen organizations in the state to connect some of Alabama's isolated communities to fast, reliable internet. It was revealed that he would receive the division.

Once completed, this project will consist of more than 4,000 miles of projects, which the governor has called “middle mile” projects, to fill gaps in broadband expansion and help providers pay to extend service to unserved areas. It will help reduce and make it more affordable. Businesses and households in the state.

“Like many other parts of Alabama, rural Alabama needs increased access to high-speed internet, and we are now making great strides toward full broadband access,” Ivey said. Stated.

“These middle-mile projects are extremely beneficial to our core institutions and put us in a desirable situation where ‘last-mile’ projects that provide broadband services to businesses and homes are more economical and achievable. I will guide you.”

Related: Be Linked Alabama: Interactive map illuminates broadband growth

Anchor facilities include schools, hospitals, medical facilities, and government and public safety buildings. Many are located on or near the Middle Mile line, and more than 790 will be served by the project.

Congressman Terry Sewell noted the importance of reliable internet for rural areas.

“In the 21st century, access to affordable, high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a necessity, and one that many Alabamians have gone without for far too long,” Sewell said. . “We are thrilled to be able to help make this funding available through the American Rescue Plan and commend Governor Ivey and Commissioner Boswell for making these investments.”

“I will continue to work to ensure this funding reaches those who need it most.”

ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the department will be managing the funds through the Alabama Digital Extension Division and is pleased that the department will be able to participate in the broadband expansion effort.

“I would like to thank Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for trusting ADECA with this vital program,” Boswell said.

The 12 internet service providers awarded grants are:

Central Alabama Electric Cooperative

The $2.69 million project will provide middle-mile infrastructure including 33 anchor institutions along 38 miles of Autauga and Elmore counties.

Coosa Valley Technologies Co., Ltd.

$7 million to provide 110 miles of middle-mile connectivity to Calhoun, St. Clair and Talladega counties impacting 17 anchor institutions.

Cullman Electric Cooperative

The $1.46 million project will install middle-mile connections in various areas of Cullman County, covering 106 miles and including 15 anchor institutions.

Farmers Telecommunications Co., Ltd.

$21.6 million to provide two mid-mile fiber routes totaling 155 miles and connecting 189 anchor institutions in Blount, Etowah, Jefferson, and Marshall Counties.

alabama fiber network

Bibb, Butler, Chilton, Choctaw, Conecuh, Dale, Dallas, Geneva, Greene, Hale, Henry, Houston, Jefferson, Lowndes, Marengo, Monroe, Perry County, Pickens County, Sumter County, Tuscaloosa County, Wilcox County. The Alabama Fiber Network is a federation of eight local electric cooperatives.

JMF solution

4 providing middle-mile connectivity to a 1,169-mile route in Bibb, Choctaw, Clark, Clay-Conecuh, Dallas, Escambia, Greene, Lowndes, Macon, Monroe, Randolph, and Washington counties. $6.3 million for two projects. This project will impact 24 anchor institutions.

Joe Wheeler Electric Membership Corporation

A $5.25 million investment to provide more than 32 miles of middle-mile infrastructure in the Cortland area of ​​Lawrence County, impacting 16 major agencies.

point broadband

$411,341 to deliver the Blount County Middle Mile Project, totaling 19.4 miles and impacting 21 major agencies.

spectrum southeast

$7.3 million for the Middle Mile project, which will connect 167 miles and eight anchor institutions in rural southeastern Houston County.

Tombigbee Electric Cooperative

$757,479 to deliver nearly 50 miles of Middle Mile projects in Winston County and impact 22 major agencies.

unity fiber

The $4.2 million Middle Mile project will span approximately 64 miles and include four anchor institutions in Butler, Lowndes and Montgomery counties.

yellowhammer networks

$2.52 million for the Middle Mile project, which spans 620 miles and includes the cities of Selma, Demopolis and Eutaw in Bibb, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. Six anchor institutions will participate in this project.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer at Yellowhammer News.