OTELCO : announces Gigabit service to fiber locations in Alabama; upgrades Cable Network locations to faster speeds

OTELCO announced today that Gigabit service is now available to all Lightwave fiber eligible locations in Alabama. These network upgrades make Gigabit service available to approximately 8,000 locations in Northern Alabama.

Additionally, a DOCSIS (service transmitted via cable) plant upgrade has resulted in approximately 6,000 Cable Network locations in Oneonta and Altoona, Alabama receiving access to faster speeds. Eligible customers received automatic upgrades from 5 to 50 Mbps, 10 to 100 Mbps and 25 to 300 Mbps and customers can opt to upgrade to Gigabit speeds (940 Mbps).

Gigabit Internet speeds are among the fastest available speeds for residential and small business applications and can support dozens of devices at the same time. With an estimated 11 connected devices currently being used in the average American household, it has become imperative for technology to adapt to best serve users. Industry experts estimate that this number will continue to grow, with predictions that by 2030, each person will own 15 connected devices (equating to more than 40 devices in the average household).

Oneonta Mayor, Richard Phillips commented, 'I am glad to see OTELCO make some needed upgrades and services for our residents. Quality, reliable high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.'

In 2021, with the assistance of a $619,500 grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Advancement Broadband Accessibility Fund, OTELCO is investing an additional $1,150,500 to construct 59 route miles of fiber to serve symmetrical gigabit Internet speeds to approximately 1,650 locations in Morgan CIty.

'The past year has proven how vital reliable, high speed Internet connections are across so many areas of life, but particularly as many users adapt to a more virtual lifestyle,' said Richard Clark, President and CEO of OTELCO. 'We are working hard to continue to provide upgrades that both meet current needs and ensure that our customers are well prepared as demand for increased connectivity continues to grow.'