Paris, TN – At a special meeting Tuesday, the Paris Board of Public Utilities formalized an agreement with TEC of Jackson, Mississippi, to build a state-of-the-art fiber network. The network will primarily support grid modernization of the electric, water, and wastewater systems. In addition, the network will allow TEC to provide high-speed internet services to the Greater Paris Municipal area.
The new fiber network will allow Paris BPU to monitor and control more devices throughout their systems. As a result, Paris BPU infrastructure will become more efficient, resilient, and ready to meet the needs of our customers. This partnership allows the utility to upgrade our systems with no impact on the rate payers.
Excess fiber capacity will be leased to TEC who will provide high-speed internet to residents and businesses throughout the corporate limits of Paris and along major corridors and higher density areas surrounding the city. 10,000 customers will have access to the advanced internet offering.
“We are excited to partner with TEC on a project with so many benefits to our community”, according to BPU President & CEO Terry Wimberley. “We are looking forward to adding more effective control of our systems in the field. The resulting access to high-speed internet will impact residents, businesses, and economic development.”
TEC will assist with planning, design, construction, and project management of the new fiber network. Paris BPU will own the existing and future fiber network, while TEC will be the internet service provider to customers within the project area.
“Customers with access to the new network will enjoy internet speeds that are not available to them today for a similar price as they are paying for today’s services,” added Wimberley. “If you are unhappy with your current level of internet speed, quality, or customer service, then you will be excited about what Paris BPU and TEC will be bringing to you soon. We hope to be passing your house or business by the end of 2025.”
Following the formal approval by the Board, planning in design will move quickly with construction expected to begin by May 1. Much of the new network will be completed in 2025 with the total project expected to be completed within one year.
The January meeting of the Board is scheduled for January 28, 2025.