Efforts to expand access to reliable internet across the Magnolia State are continuing to materialize. Most recently, a contract between the state and telecommunications giant AT&T aims to bring quality broadband to thousands of homes and workplaces in four central Mississippi counties.
Per a news release, AT&T Fiber’s outreach will be expanded to more than 5,300 residential and business locations in portions of Hinds, Rankin, Leake, and Neshoba counties as part of a $30.5 million public-private project that is expected to deliver high-speed internet.
In the latest contract agreement between the two entities, Mississippi will invest $16 million while the multinational company will supply the remaining figure of just over $14 million. Mississippi utilized federal funds made available by the pandemic-related American Rescue Plan Act to bring a multitude of fiber internet projects to the state, including this one.
“We are proud to work with Governor [Tate] Reeves, the Legislature, the [Broadband Expansion and Accessibility in Mississippi] team, and local leaders in counties across the state to help close the digital divide,” AT&T Mississippi Vice President Michael Walker said. “AT&T’s fiber network is fast and reliable, and we look forward to helping build better futures for the businesses and people of Mississippi.”
Officials are eyeing a 2026 finish date for the expanded fiber internet to be rolled out across the four counties. Earlier this year, the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility in Mississippi approved $32.5 million in broadband expansion projects across 12 counties.
