Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley has signed orders redesignating the Eligible Telecommunications Carrier status of nine local electric cooperative subsidiaries for $9.12 million in grants to be spent in 2023 from the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund for broadband expansion.
Official state redesignation will benefit 182,311 homes and businesses in North Mississippi. These nine carriers are currently providing service to 84,573 customers. Totally, the nine providers received $91.38 million from RDOF, which will be disbursed over 10 years.
Electric cooperative subsidiaries recertified by Presley include NT Spark by Natchez Trace Electric, which serves Webster County. Its grant amount was $1,031,059.20.
“Ensuring Mississippians have access to world-class broadband service in small towns and rural communities has been one of my top priorities as public service commissioner. Whether it be telework, telemedicine or online education, broadband accessibility will promote economic investment and enhance quality of life for countless rural Mississippians,” Presley said.
“I am proud to partner with these electric cooperatives in working to meet the needs of our communities. These funds go to the heart of that mission. I will not rest until every last house at the end of every rural dirt road in Mississippi is connected.”
Presley recertified the following electric cooperative subsidiaries:
Residents who would like to sign up for service or inquire about service availability at their address can contact Presley’s office at 1 (800) 637-7722.
