The latest example of a broadband/electric partnership — pairing a fiber provider with a utility company for a broadband deployment — comes from Accelecom and the Franklin Electric Plant Board (Franklin EPB). They are joining forces to enable Franklin EPB to deliver high-speed internet services to the businesses and residents of Franklin, Kentucky.
Through this alliance, Accelecom will provide Franklin EPB with high-speed internet connectivity, which will enable Franklin EPB to offer reliable, high-speed connections to their customers.
Accelecom has worked with other electric cooperatives and municipal-owned utilities. It expects this collaboration with the Franklin Electric Plant Board to support local enterprises and to aid businesses in the community.
Franklin EPB Fiber’s Business Development Manager, Wayne Goodrum, said that the broadband/electric partnership is the best way to serve their members: “At Franklin EPB Fiber, we are constantly seeking opportunities to provide our customers with the tools they need to succeed. Accelecom assists us in offering world-class internet services that are essential for innovation and competitiveness in today’s market.”
These types of broadband/electric partnerships were first discussed decades ago and are now coming to fruition. Examples of partnerships similar to the Accelecom/Franklin EPB venture are myriad:
- Bay Country Communications, a cable/voice/internet provider partnered with Choptank Electric Cooperative to bring broadband to more than 3,000 homes and businesses across eight counties in Maryland.
- Comporium and York Electric Cooperative joined forces to deploy gigabit fiber broadband to York Electric’s 5,000 members in rural South Carolina.
- Smithville Communications, a rural broadband provider, and SCI REMC, an electric cooperative, worked together to bring fiber connections to people in Ellettsville, Monroe Lake, and Gosport, Indiana.
“Accelecom is committed to driving digital transformation and economic development in communities we serve,” said Brad Kilbey, Accelecom CEO, in a prepared statement. “Our partnership with the Franklin Electric Plant Board exemplifies our dedication to working with communities to deliver cutting-edge solutions.”
