TVIfiber Completes Fiber Buildout, Strengthens Grid
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WATER VALLEY — TVIfiber has completed its fiber internet and telephone service buildout inside the Water Valley Electric Commission (WVEC) system, giving every home and business in the service area access to high-speed broadband. The project also helped upgrade the city’s electric grid, with Tallahatchie Valley Electric Power Association (TVEPA) replacing 48 aging or defective utility poles during the buildout.
Water Valley is the first community outside of TVEPA’s nine-county service area to have access to TVIfiber, and company CEO Brad Robison reported the company viewed the project as a hometown investment rather than a corporate expansion.
“We understand the needs here because we’re your neighbors, not just a company looking at numbers,” Robison told the Herald. “This isn’t just about installing fiber — it’s about building a stronger Water Valley.”
Fiber construction, engineering and fieldwork began earlier this year as crews with TVEPA constructed 35 miles of mainline fiber reaching more than 2,100 metered customers across the city’s electric grid, including areas outside the city limits but are served by the city-owned system.
“From the very beginning, our mission has been about more than just technology,” Robison added. “For us, it’s about connection. Every home and business we connect brings our community closer and builds a stronger foundation for the next generation to learn, work, and thrive right here in Water Valley.”
Mayor Tommy Reynolds reported that access to broadband internet service for all is vital for the city to grow and prosper.
“Quality broadband internet service also is necessary to assure quality educational opportunities for our children, and for a good quality of life for all,” the mayor said.
WVEC Chairman Brandon Presley noted that the pole replacements are a critical part of strengthening the city’s electric system and were completed at a cost far lower than typical stand-alone work.
“This is the best bang for the buck that the citizens of Water Valley could ever have on these pole changeouts,” Presley said. “It makes our system more resilient and saves taxpayer money. We are fortunate to have TVEPA as our neighboring utility and partner.”
The electric commission paid TVEPA $234,828.50 for the grid improvement, funded through a portion of a $750,000 legislative appropriation allocated to the city in 2023 to support broadband expansion and essential electric upgrades.
“I was pleased that the Legislature approved $750,000 to help facilitate broadband internet service for our city and to improve our electric service when I served in the Legislature,” reported Mayor Reynolds. “These funds have helped to replace some of the defective electric poles that were a hindrance to providing broadband and to better electric service.”
Mayor Tommy Reynolds said the completion of the fiber project represents an important step in the city’s future. “I believe that good quality broadband internet service is absolutely vital if our City is to grow and prosper,” Reynolds said. “It is necessary to assure quality educational opportunities for our children and for a good quality of life for all.”
Robison noted that TVIfiber does not require service contracts and that the fiber network was designed to handle growing demand without major future construction. “We focus on quality, reliability and value — and we’re prepared for whatever tomorrow brings.”
Customers can schedule an installation by visiting TVIfiber.com or calling 662-563-2075. The company charges a flat monthly rate and residential plans start at $59.95 per month with the option to add telephone service for $24.95. A contract is not required and TVIfiber does not charge for installation or equipment rental. Business services are also available.
