considering Point Broadband was awarded more than $ 50 million in subsidies to bring broadband to East Alabama .
Point Broadband is based out of West Point , Georgia and serves local communities like Opelika and parts of Lake Martin .
“ This funding we were awarded from the FCC is paid out over 10 years ,” Nipper said . “ But for our company to secure the full amount , the project must be completed in six years .”
In other words , this project may take time , but faster internet for Lake Wedowee will be here sooner than 2031 .
“ The terms of the auction say that we have to have 40 percent of the area covered in the first three years , so once we start construction we will be moving at a pretty good clip .”
The area where Point Broadband won bids stretches as far south as Eufala and as far north as Piedmont , however the bulk of work is in Clay , Cleburne and Randolph counties .
“ When all is said and done , we are looking at installing 4,000 to 5,000 miles of fiber optic broadband to the home with speeds available up to 1 gig ,” Nipper said . “ It ’ s a process , but it will be worth it .”
When asked about areas in the county that were not highlighted as part of the auction , Nipper was able to provide a little clarity .
“ The highlighted portions of the map are where we were awarded subsidies ,” he said . “ We will build outside of that subsidy area if there is enough interest and homes .”
While details and timelines of the build out are not available currently , you can go to the website and request service for the area . https :// point-broadband . com / currently-unavailable /
Filling out the request is simple and will let Point Broadband know which areas of our readership are interested in its service .
The company is hoping to begin construction in the fall and Nipper said plans and pricing would be announced as they get closer to the build out .
10 LAKE WEDOWEE LIFE