Navasota, TX-based MidSouth Electric Co-Op has selected Conexon to deliver broadband management services including network design, engineering, construction and vendor management for its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
The electric cooperative's multiyear project, encompassing more than 3,000 miles of fiber, is currently being constructed. Consumers in part of phase one are expected to begin receiving service later this year.
"Every electric co-op in the nation can build a fiber network to every member," Conexon Partner Jonathan Chambers said. "It isn't a question of technology, population density, terrain or demographics. The one indispensable ingredient is leadership. At MidSouth, Kerry has built as fine a leadership team as any I've met. I'm confident that they will take their skills and knowledge of electricity and water and apply them now to broadband. This is a great project with a great future."
The planned fiber-optic network will offer co-op members access to high-speed internet, phone and TV services. Additionally, it will enable upgrades and smart grid capabilities such as improved power outage response times, better load balancing, more efficient electricity delivery and others.
"The mission from day one has been to construct this project in the most efficient and cost-effective way with the main focus always being what's best for our members," Kerry Kelton, MidSouth EC general manager and CEO, said. "Conexon is playing a large role in that and will be instrumental to our success. We selected Conexon because of the team's experience with other electric cooperatives and their ability to provide a wide range of services. They have a proven history of being committed to rural broadband."
"The cooperative spirit is one of making lives and communities better," Conexon Partner Randy Klindt said. "MidSouth is delivering on that, and we're pleased to play a part in how they are creating an environment to facilitate business growth, better education opportunities, access to advanced healthcare and the other benefits of broadband."