Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announced Thursday, August 8 that Tipmont REMC will receive $444,558 from the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program. The program, in its first phase of awards, is designed to foster broadband infrastructure investment in unserved areas of the state.

I’ve been asked a few times how the fiber lines we’re building today will stand up to the promises of tomorrow’s wireless internet technology. While there are a lot of technological promises on the horizon, we can’t know for certain how they are all going to play out. Here are some things we do know today about one of the leading contenders.

Last month, we shared that construction was underway to bring fiber internet to over 2,200 homes in the Battle Ground area. Many residents in that area have expressed their elation for the service. It’s very rewarding to hear how enthusiastic they are for better internet service.

Last month, we shared that the fiber video and voice service will be available through Mulberry, rather than directly from Tipmont. Our goal is to ensure you have access to video and voice services the way you want it. This change helps streamline voice and video service delivery by aligning your customer experience with who is actually delivering the service. I also mentioned streaming video as a new model that is rapidly gaining popularity with consumers.

When we announced our fiber service last year, our products included the “triple play” of internet, voice and video. The decision to offer all three was based on your feedback that you were interested in all three services from Tipmont. More recent feedback from you combined with nationwide trends have given us reason to switch our focus from traditional video to a variety of video options that can maximize your new high-speed internet connection.

On Wednesday, March 6, Tipmont's CEO, Ron Holcomb, spoke at a Capitol Hill briefing today on Tipmont’s efforts as part of the nationwide economic development impact of electric cooperatives. Following are the remarks he delivered.

Last month, we shared the exciting news of Tipmont’s acquisition of Wintek Corporation, Lafayette’s premier technology and fiber solutions provider.

It’s been nearly a year since Tipmont’s board unanimously voted to authorize the construction and delivery of fiber internet, video and voice services. In that time, we’ve completed a tremendous amount of work toward realizing the vision that you created for us. Your feedback through surveys, letters, phone calls, and in person was key to the board’s decision. Affordable high-speed broadband, in particular, is an essential service that so many of you need.

I’ve talked a lot about Tipmont’s mission of empowering the communities we serve. To empower is a recognition that you, our customers, are the engine of success. Our role is to simply provide the necessary raw materials like electric energy and very soon, broadband. When you have better tools at your disposal, more options with your local power supply, or integrated energy management systems in your home, you will have the capabilities to be more efficient and productive. We believe you shouldn’t be limited in how you utilize those tools.

After several months of planning to become an internet service provider, we’re finally ready to begin connecting our first members. In August, our engineering group selected Berry It as our fiber construction contractor. By the time you read this, the Kokomo-based contractor will be well underway building the first connections near our Linden office.