Madisonville Approves Fiber Deal for 9,000 Electric Customers as 1 Gbps Service Targets Broadband Gaps
Updated
Updated · The Messenger · Jun 19
Madisonville Approves Fiber Deal for 9,000 Electric Customers as 1 Gbps Service Targets Broadband Gaps
1 articles · Updated · The Messenger · Jun 19
Summary
Madisonville’s city council approved a contract with Mississippi-based TEC to build fiber internet for the city’s roughly 9,000 electric customers, with installation expected to take about 12 months.
TEC was the lone bidder and would use the city’s existing utility poles to reach homes and businesses, offering optional service billed separately through the provider.
Rates have not been finalized, but city officials said service could cost $80 to $100 a month; speeds would start at 1 Gbps and rise to 2 Gbps.
Mayor Kevin Cotton said the project addresses weak wireless and satellite options that limit downtown businesses and remote workers, and he expects take-up to exceed TEC’s 40% signup estimate.
The deal could also support wider county expansion, where officials say broadband rollout remains uneven despite Kenergy’s buildout, a $1 million LitFiber grant, and Spectrum projects that may finish by end-2027.