Mississippi-based C Spire will invest $1 billion over the next five years in Alabama and Mississippi, the largest capital campaign spend in the company’s history.
The money will accelerate deployment of all-fiber broadband internet in the Southeastern U.S. markets C Spire serves. “The project also will provide ultra-fast, all-fiber broadband services to over 200,000 homes and businesses by 2025 in Mississippi and Alabama,” according to the company, whose business division headquarters is in Homewood, near Birmingham.
In Alabama, C Spire plans all-fiber gigabit service in two dozen markets.
“We have a strong reputation of providing world-class products and services to consumers and businesses and this investment signals that we intend to deliver these benefits faster than ever before,” said C Spire CEO Hu Meena. The majority of the $500 million work in Alabama is expected to be completed in three years.
Meena said the investment should generate at least 250 new jobs in Alabama.
C Spire has launched gigabit broadband in Jasper and will offer it in Trussville beginning next month.
“This is a game-changer, helping grow the economy and improving the quality of life for everyone,” Meena said.
Gov. Kay Ivey praised C Spire’s move, saying it will have an effect on the state’s economy, education system, health care options and infrastructure.
“C Spire’s investment and commitment to the expansion of all-fiber broadband services will help us make a difference in bridging the digital divide, which is a real challenge in our state, especially in rural areas,” Ivey said.
