TDS Telecom announces its broadband Internet project in Mississippi — in parts of Grenada, Calhoun, and Webster counties — is now complete. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus-funded project makes high-speed Internet accessible to businesses and about 850 area residents (nearly 300 more households than projected in TDS’ application for funding).
In early April, TDS announced a portion of this project, in the southeast corner of Yalobusha County, Miss., was complete. Now, the entire project is finished. TDS installed more than 50 miles of fiber optics cabling and 17 cabinets (which protect the advanced network electronics) throughout its Calhoun City Telephone Company. Customers interested in signing up for service can call 888-CALL-TDS (888-225-5837).
This is one of 44 projects TDS is receiving funding for from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) as part of the ARRA. TDS projected the cost at more than $3.9 million. The RUS grant covered 75 percent of the cost and TDS invested the remaining 25 percent (nearly $1 million) to expand broadband to more businesses and residents.
Nationwide, more than 95 percent of TDS customers already have access to high-speed Internet service. TDS is intent on providing as many remaining customers with broadband connectivity as possible. According to TDS, federal stimulus funds are helping to close the gap and deliver Internet connectivity. With the help of ARRA funding, TDS has already expanded access to a high-speed Internet connection to nearly 31,500 households across the country.
For background information and updates, visit www.tdstelecom.com/stimulus.