EMPOWER Broadband is celebrating two major milestones: the successful completion of its Virginia Telecommunications Initiative (VATI) 2022 project and the connection of its 10,000th subscriber. Together, these achievements underscore EMPOWER's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class, high-speed broadband service to historically unserved and underserved communities throughout Southside Virginia.
The VATI 2022 project expanded EMPOWER's fiber-to-the-premises network across Brunswick, Charlotte, Halifax and Mecklenburg counties, providing more rural homes and businesses with access to reliable, high-speed internet. The completed project represents a significant step forward in closing the digital divide and creating new opportunities for economic growth, education, healthcare access and essential connectivity.
In July, EMPOWER welcomed its 10,000th subscriber, Paula Giammetteo of Nelson, Virginia.
“Reaching our 10,000th subscriber while completing a project of this scale is a testament to our mission of connecting rural communities," said President and CEO Casey Logan. "We're grateful to the customers who have trusted us, the partners who have supported us and our employees who have worked tirelessly to build this network. EMPOWER has made tremendous progress in bringing reliable, high-speed internet to families and businesses that previously lacked access, and we remain committed to building a better tomorrow for our communities — together.”
Today, EMPOWER's fiber network includes more than 3,500 miles of fiber infrastructure and passes 38,500 locations within active service areas.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, EMPOWER Broadband continues to work alongside multiple contractors and community partners to expand broadband access throughout the region. Construction and network expansion efforts remain underway as EMPOWER completes VATI 2023, 2025 and BEAD programs, bringing the benefits of fiber broadband to even more rural Southside Virginians.
To learn more about EMPOWER Broadband, planned construction projects, the fiber construction process and project timelines, visit empowermec.net. For the latest construction updates and company news, follow EMPOWER Broadband Inc. on Facebook.
With over 10,300 subscribers now connected and growing, EMPOWER remains focused on delivering the fast, reliable broadband service rural communities need to thrive for generations to come.
