Efforts to expand high-quality internet access are continuing in the Magnolia State.
According to Sally Doty with the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi, tens of millions of dollars will soon be utilized to bring fiber internet service to some of the most underserved regions in the state.
“We have about $40 million that we are getting out the door right now for projects under that capital projects fund and we’ll follow probably with another $30 million in the next couple of weeks,” Doty said on MidDays with Gerard Gibert.
The $40 million is currently on hand. BEAM officials anticipate receiving the additional $30 million once an objection period for service providers is completed per federal and state regulations.
Doty noted that folks in the following areas will be receiving fiber internet with the $40 million grant:
- Woodville
- Centreville
- Fayette
- Puckett
- Braxton
- Mendenhall
There are also projects in south central Hinds County moving down into Copiah County to update the internet capabilities of residents near Mississippi’s capital city of Jackson. Doty also ensured that the Mississippi Delta is not being left out.
“Hinds County, out in the rural part, has really been lacking in high-speed areas, so this is going to be great for Hinds County,” Doty added. “We’ve got some areas in the Delta — some line extensions in Coahoma, Tunica, Quitman, and also in the outer areas of Indianola.”
Mississippians interested in checking the current status of their broadband service can click here. A red dot on the map indicates that the location is unserved. A blue dot means that the location is underserved. A location with a green dot has received federal funding for broadband expansion. Any spot with a gray dot is fully served.
Anyone in a gray-dotted area disputing that their home, business, or venue is receiving quality broadband service can check their internet speed here.
