SEPTEMBER 4, 2024, CONWAY, – HTC, the area’s largest fiber internet provider, today announced the next phase of the Cooperative’s broadband expansion into Marion County.
This nearly $7 million project was made possible by grants from the South Carolina Broadband Office’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program and matching funds from HTC.
The grant projects will reach approximately 570 unserved locations in portions of northeastern Marion County. In addition, HTC is committing to using its own capital to extend its fiber network to the Town of Nichols.
“HTC is excited to further expand into Marion County to help those who have been underserved for far too long,” said Carlton Lewis, HTC Chief Executive Officer. “With ARPA funds and our own capital investment, HTC can now reach rural areas that may otherwise continue to go without reliable connectivity.”
HTC has already begun construction on the grant projects, which are slated to be complete within two years. The Cooperative will then begin its work in the Town of Nichols.
“We are thrilled to have a continued relationship with HTC,” said South Carolina State Senator Kent Williams. “The coronavirus pandemic reflected that high-speed internet is a necessity for the communities throughout Marion County and HTC has continually stepped up to the plate to be a trusted provider that is committed to bringing reliable service to Marion County.”
This project will mark HTC’s eighth grant project in Marion to date. Since 2019, HTC has secured $19 million in broadband infrastructure projects for Marion County to reach more than 2,500 locations. In total, the Cooperative, has secured nearly $44 million in projects to reach more than 5,700 underserved locations across Marion and Georgetown counties.
“We’re thankful for HTC bringing high-speed internet service to the residents of Nichols,” said Lawson Battle, Mayor of Nichols. “Speaking as both the mayor and a resident of Nichols, we are all looking forward to becoming members of the Cooperative.”
To learn more about HTC’s fiber expansion in our area, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/8479a9dc/aY-I7GVYdECCeBOV1BV5Hg?u=http://www.htcinc.net/broadbandexpansion.
About HTC
HTC is the largest telecommunications cooperative in the United States. Celebrating more than 70 years as the local leader in communications, HTC provides services in Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties. Utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network, HTC service offerings include: Internet; Video; Security; Mobile; and Voice. HTC also offers advanced business services, including: Internet; Voice and Hosted Voice Solutions; IT Solutions such as Wi-Fi, Data Backup & Recovery and Firewalls; and Business Security. To learn more about HTC, visit https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6a5db322/mGaBCE0VFUKK5F8ymlrn4Q?u=http://www.htcinc.net/. For additional information about HTC, or becoming a member, call 843-365-2154.
