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United Communications, Duck River Electric to bring fiber internet to northern Giles County
Summary
United Communications and Duck River Electric told the Giles County Commission they will begin turning on a state-of-the-art fiber network for Duck River members in northern Giles County, with construction finishing by August and first customers connected starting in April.
United Communications and Duck River Electric representatives told the Giles County Commission they will bring a new fiber-optic network to the northern part of Giles County, with construction complete by August and initial service available beginning in April.
The companies said the system will be 10-gig-capable and delivered over Duck River Electric’s existing pole infrastructure, with no charge for the initial drop to qualifying homes. “When we go live ... we will be bringing 10 gig capable residential Internet using a % fiber optics,” William Bradford, CEO of United Communications, said during a presentation to the commission. Bradford said engineering and much of the pole “make-ready” work are complete, and the project team expects to start taking customer orders at the end of the month.
James Wright, president and CEO of Duck River Electric, said the cooperative is committed to serving its members and that the partner firms designed the network to reach every Duck River member in the county. “If you’re a member, you’re my boss’s boss,” Wright said, describing the cooperative’s motivation to eliminate the digital divide.
Commissioners and residents asked about outreach, eligibility and pricing. Bradford said the companies will use direct mail, social media and partner channels to notify residents and that Duck River members will be eligible; he said plans start at $55 per month and top out around $150 depending on speed tier. A resident who identified himself as Will Topper raised a field complaint about a restraining cable and attachment coordination between the two companies; both companies said they would follow up to inspect the site.
United Communications said construction for the project will finish by the state’s August 20 deadline and that they expect to complete network work a year early. The companies also emphasized local customer support and said they will promote early sign-up to reduce drop-in hookup time when service zones open.
Commissioners did not take formal action on the project during the meeting; the presentation was informational and followed earlier county actions to support broadband grant applications.
The companies left contact information and materials for county communications staff to share with residents interested in signing up.
