High-Speed Internet Pilot Project

On Friday, July 17, 2020, Dixie Electric, along with 14 other electric cooperatives in Mississippi, submitted a grant application for a high-speed internet pilot project to the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff.

If grant funding through the Mississippi Electric Cooperative Broadband COVID-19 grant program is awarded, Dixie Electric will begin installing fiber to facilitate the delivery of broadband service to one of the most unserved or underserved areas of the association’s service territory. The pilot project area includes southeastern Jones County and northwestern Perry County.

The Mississippi State Legislature has set aside $65 million in matching funds for broadband deployment by electric cooperatives throughout the state. This grant funding will be awarded through the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff led by newly appointed director Sally Doty.

Dixie Electric’s pilot project will cost an estimated $7.4 million with the grant covering approximately half, if awarded.