Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey welcomes launch of Alabama Fiber Network

CULLMAN, Ala. ( WIAT ) — The Alabama Fiber Network launched Wednesday what it said will help close the broadband gap across the state.

Gov. Kay Ivey gave remarks at an event highlighting the start of a new effort. A coalition of eight electric cooperatives, the Alabama Fiber Network will work across all 67 counties to bring better internet to Alabamians.

Ivey said Alabama is ranked No. 24 in the country for broadband connectivity.

“However, as I said before, achieving full connectivity is a marathon not a sprint,” Ivey said. “But we are well on our way. It’s days like today that we can see our progress.”

Through the construction of fiber lines, the coalition said it aims to connect underserved communities, focusing on schools and healthcare facilities. Terry Metze, CEO of Alabama Fiber Network, said the project could take up to three years to build out but is committed.

“Ciena is behind us. Alabama Power — we have more technical engineers coming into this state than probably any other region right now to get this done,” Metze said.

“The greatest thing in life is to have the love of God in your heart,” Alabama Fiber Network Chairman Tom Stackhouse said. “… but the next greatest thing is to have lightspeed internet broadband service.”

Stackhouse said fiber can bring service to areas that are normally unreachable.

“For those areas that already have service, all we’re doing is enhancing and making it better,” Stackhouse said.

State Rep. Randall Shedd (R-Fairview) said fiber can save a lot of money.

“I’m pleased with the funding.” Shedd said. “I thank the legislature and the governor and everybody that we’re able to get funding to help make it happen.”

Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency, said the project opens a needed door.

“I think COVID taught us when we went home that we didn’t have the capability for students to learn. We didn’t have the capability to conduct business,” Greer said. “Everybody was telling us to do it from home, and you couldn’t do it in most sections in Alabama.”

Metze said the backbone of the project will be complete by March with the remaining construction taking place into 2026.

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