The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) recently approved 24 broadband infrastructure projects to be funded by the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). BEAM anticipates additional CPF projects to be approved on a rolling basis throughout the summer.

“We’re working hard to expand broadband infrastructure to all corners of Mississippi,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “Digital infrastructure is redefining our economy, and we want to ensure every Mississippian has reliable broadband access. These projects will be critical to our state’s efforts and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that they will have on Mississippi.”

The approved projects include: Franklin Telephone and Conexon in Lincoln County; Comcast in Copiah County; Swyft Connect in Jefferson County; and Conexon in Lawrence and Walthall counties. Other projects are in Coahoma, Tunica, Quitman, Hinds, Jones, Perry, Covington, DeSoto, Madison, Neshoba, Rankin, Simpson, Sunflower and Wilkinson counties.

These initial CPF projects will provide approximately $70.9 million of grant funding to build internet service to approximately 27,000 households in 19 counties across the state. All current CPF projects and all future projects must be completed by Dec. 31, 2026, according to U.S. Department of Treasury guidelines.

The $162 million in CPF funding is one of several investments in Mississippi broadband to be administered by BEAM. BEAM is currently overseeing the $32 million Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) projects (12 in 10 counties) to be completed in the fall 2024. BEAM is also completing requirements to access $1.2 billion in funding provided by the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) grant, and overseeing the $10.7 million State Digital Skills and Accessibility grant.

Mississippi residents are encouraged to visit the broadband map at www.broadbandms.com, which shows available service at each household, and locations that already have federal funding for expansion. BEAM can be reached at 601-359-5029 or info@beam.ms.gov.