Broadband progress deeper into the divide

“ARPA” — American Rescue Plan Act — monies is credited with helping the Upcountry Fiber project to get ahead of its construction schedule.  Upcountry Fiber is the name for the internet service provider of two utilities, the Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and the West Carolina Rural Telephone Co-Op.  It now counts more than 400 active miles of fiber under construction, with an additional 515 miles already finished this year.  It reports 11 thousand customer orders, most of which are in rural and underserved areas.  Upcountry Fiber credits the infusion of “ARPA” funds for fast-tracking the work. Construction in varying phases is underway in, among other Oconee County locations, Coneross, Fair Play, Long Creek, Mountain Rest, Oakway, and Salem.