EMEPA considers rural broadband access

Published 4:30 pm Wednesday, January 23, 2019

As one of the state’s 25 electric cooperates, the East Mississippi Electric Power Association will have the legal power to expand rural broadband access if Gov. Phil Bryant signs as expected the Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act, which was passed Wednesday by the state legislature.

If the bill goes into effect, some rural residents across the state may have improved access in the upcoming year.

“We at EMEPA, we believe that great broadband would substantially benefit our members,” Julie Boles, the EMEPA director of Marketing & Communication, said.

Boles said that EMEPA was studying the issue to determine the best choice for the cooperative.

“The challenges and costs are significant,” Boles said. “We do ask for patience from our members and it won’t be an overnight thing.” 

According to its website, EMEPA has members in the following counties: Attala, Winston, Noxubee, Neshoba, Kemper, Newton, Lauderdale, Jasper, Clarke and Wayne.