Coosa Valley Technologies Completes Grant-Funded Network Construction
By Kylie Mason, CVT Sales and Marketing Specialist
For many years, reliable internet was not something rural Alabama communities could count on. For some families, it meant sitting in parking lots just to finish homework. For others, it meant limited access to healthcare or fewer opportunities to work from home.
“Since 2020, Coosa Valley Technologies has been working to change that. The goal was simple: provide every Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative member with access to fast, reliable fiber internet,” said Patrick Harris, CVT’s sales and marketing manager.
In March 2024, CVT completed that commitment, finishing the full buildout and ensuring all CVEC members had the opportunity to connect.
Even then, it was clear the need extended beyond Coosa Valley’s electric footprint. Many nearby communities were still dealing with slow or unreliable service. In 2023, CVT began applying for grants through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to help expand access into those underserved areas. Out of 22 applications, CVT was awarded 10 grants in January 2024, allowing the technology company to bring service to parts of Pell City, Piedmont, Jacksonville, Harpersville, Vincent, and Sterrett.
“Efforts like these have been supported at the state level through the Connect Alabama Act, passed in 2021, which created a long-term framework for expanding broadband access across the state,” he said.
The legislation established the Alabama Digital Expansion Division within ADECA and laid the groundwork for a statewide plan focused on connecting unserved and underserved communities.
Through its Be Linked Alabama initiative, the state has taken a coordinated approach to broadband expansion, using mapping tools and local input to direct funding where it is needed most.
“Since 2018, Alabama has invested millions of dollars into broadband infrastructure, supporting more than 100 projects and expanding access to tens of thousands of homes, businesses, and community institutions,” Harris said.
These projects were made possible through 3 different funding programs: the Alabama Anchor Institution Middle Mile Program, the Capital Projects Fund, and the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
“Each program plays a different role, but they all share the same purpose of connecting Alabama residents and strengthening opportunities for education, healthcare, and rural economic growth,” he said.
The Alabama Anchor Institution Middle Mile Program focuses on building the backbone of the network. While it does not directly connect homes, it strengthens infrastructure by linking schools, hospitals, and communities through shared connections. The Capital Projects Fund and Rural Digital Opportunity Fund focus on connecting residents directly, especially in areas considered underserved. The Federal Communications Commission defines underserved areas as those where internet speeds fall below 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload.
The Rural Digital Opportunity Fund was originally designed as a 10-year program, but CVT employees and contractors were able to complete their portion of the buildout in just 2 years.
“That accelerated timeline meant thousands of homes gained access to reliable internet far sooner than expected,” Harris said.
Through these combined efforts, Coosa Valley Technologies has completed construction on all awarded projects, placing 90 miles of backbone fiber and creating access for 5,675 potential customers.
“This work is about more than faster internet,” he said. “It is about giving students the ability to learn from home, providing families with access to telehealth, and helping small businesses grow and compete. Reliable connectivity has become an essential part of everyday life, and expanding access helps ensure rural communities are not left behind. Every mile of fiber we build brings us 1 step closer to that goal.”
Visit the CVT website or call (256) 649-4669 to see if your home or business is within CVT’s service area. Residential internet packages can be reviewed on the CVT website.