Tombigbee Electric Power Association Selects Conexon for Fiber Network

KANSAS CITY, MO — Conexon, which assists electric cooperatives in deploying broadband networks, has been selected by Tombigbee Electric Power Association (TEPA) to design and manage the construction for its recently announced fiber-to-the-home network. Tombigbee is one of the first electric power associations in Mississippi to make this move, and plans to deploy fiber to the home to offer service to 100% of its 43,980 members.

Mississippi law recently changed, giving electric power associations the ability to expand their offerings through subsidiaries to provide broadband services.  Since the passage of that legislation, TEPA has worked diligently to study the feasibility of offering fiber to the home, along with smart grid technology to improve its electric system. Conexon played a critical role in the due diligence, and has since been engaged to design and construct the network.

Four Phases in Four Years

The project, with an expected budget of $95 million, will move immediately into the design phase, and is anticipated to be completed in four phases over four years. The planned fiber-optic network will offer co-op members access to some of the fastest, most robust broadband capabilities in the country – gigabit speed service that's reliable, affordable and backed by the co-op's commitment to service. Additionally, it will enable significant upgrades, enhancements and smart grid capabilities for virtually every aspect of TEPA's electrical distribution infrastructure.