MONTGOMERY– High-speed internet has become a necessity for many businesses, and an area of Winston County will soon see some upgrades thanks in part to an $80,000 grant announced by Gov. Robert Bentley.
The grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission will allow the Winston County Commission to provide a two-mile fiber cable extension on Alabama Highway 33 in Double Springs. The extension will give current businesses access to higher internet speeds and make the area more attractive for new businesses.
“Businesses increasingly rely on new technologies and broadband internet to remain competitive and create or retain jobs,” Bentley said. “Access to broadband is a top priority in my Great State 2019 Plan, and I am pleased to see Winston County take on this project to help their economy.”
The area currently relies on DSL connections with slower upload and download speeds. The U.S. Forest Service is routing a high-speed fiber connection to its ranger station for nearby Bankhead National Forest on the highway, and the grant will help extend that fiber into Double Springs.
“Broadband access is a challenge many rural communities face,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “I am pleased that our partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission will provide broadband access to a new area of Winston County.”
Media Releae/ADECA
