FC26 – Operator Light Talk: Lighting our Future – Impacts of Fiber on Our Communities and Mission

FC26 – Operator Light Talk: Lighting our Future – Impacts of Fiber on Our Communities and Mission 

Scott Hendricks, CEO of Tombigbee Fiber, discussed the company’s mission to improve rural communities in Mississippi through fiber and electric services. Founded in 1933, Tombigibee Fiber initially provided affordable electricity to farmers and later expanded into broadband with the 2019 Mississippi Broadband Enabling Act. Serving 55,000 passings and 29,000 customers, the company has significantly impacted lives, such as enabling telemedicine and education. They expanded their Smart Town program to schools, parks, and first responders, and during Winter Storm Fern, they cross-trained employees to assist with electric repairs, demonstrating their commitment to community service and resilience.