Expanding fiber connectivity

More areas have access to state-of-the-art technology

Story by LISA SAVAGE

Ardmore Telephone Company’s focus last year to extend fast fiber internet in the New Market and Elkmont areas has paid off.

The fiber project in the New Market area has wrapped up, providing highspeed internet to one of the fastest-growing areas in the region, says Darren Duke, the company’s plant and engineering manager.

In Elkmont, most customers now have access to the fiber optic network, also, and it’s time to make new connections. Direct sales representatives are working in areas where fiber is available. Call Jonathon Shannon on the local direct sales line at 1-866-333-0375 to discuss opportunities for converting existing services or to sign up for new service.

The New Market area became a priority as new subdivisions continued to emerge. “That area has been growing so fast because it’s so close to Huntsville,” Duke says.

Expanding Connectivity

ATC introduced the first fiber-based service in 2015 and has continued to expand throughout its service territory in Alabama and Tennessee. The focus initially was centrally located in Ardmore, where providing fiber to the largest number of people was quickest.

Fiber installation continues in all ATC exchanges. Progress in some areas is slower than in others because of distance between customers in rural areas and rocky ground. Minor Hill has been a little more difficult because of the rocky terrain, and McBurg has provided similar obstacles. Those areas are nearing completion, however.

This year, ATC will continue to focus on finishing the fiber project through its service territory. ATC continues to impact and grow its service area, providing the critical infrastructure to support and enrich the lives of residents and businesses in Madison, Giles, Lincoln and Limestone counties. “When we first started, we did small portions that were centrally located in town to provide fiber internet to the largest number of people,” Duke says.

Preparing For The Future

Fiber technology replaces the copper digital subscriber lines, which are becoming obsolete. A fiber network provides much more reliable internet service, and it has the capabilities necessary for future growth.

Fiber offers a fast, reliable connection to transfer data, watch Netflix or other TV streaming services, or use smart home devices and security systems. “You can’t use those kinds of services without high-speed internet,” Duke says.

Fiber broadband has the power to transform a region and change lives by providing increased access to education, job growth, health care and telemedicine, and economic development. ATC will continue to pursue innovative ways to improve its service area.