Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey joined state and local officials Wednesday to highlight major statewide progress on Alabama’s Middle-Mile Fiber Network, a 3,500-mile broadband infrastructure project designed to expand high-speed internet access in all 67 counties.
The Alabama Fiber Network (AFN), working in partnership with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), has already extended middle-mile service to every county as of October 31, 2025, ahead of the full project completion scheduled for February 2026. Officials describe the network as one of the most significant telecommunications investments in Alabama’s history.
“Since my first day as governor, I have made it a top priority to ensure every Alabamian, no matter their zip code, has access to reliable, high-speed internet service through an internet service provider,” Governor Ivey said. “This middle-mile network represents a once-in-a-generation investment in our state’s future. It will support our hospitals, schools, businesses, families, and it will ensure Alabama remains competitive in the 21st-century economy. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Alabama.”
The middle-mile system lays the groundwork for last-mile providers to extend service into rural and underserved areas. It also connects anchor institutions across the state, including healthcare facilities, public safety agencies, schools, libraries and local government offices.
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said the project reflects Alabama’s commitment to coordinated, statewide digital expansion.
“The Alabama Middle-Mile Network is an essential building block for our state’s digital future,” he said. “By working together with the governor, the Legislature, our electric cooperatives and private partners, we are ensuring that every region — from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf Coast, to the Black Belt and beyond — can participate fully in the opportunities that broadband brings.”
In January 2022, Alabama allocated $85 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for broadband initiatives. ADECA’s Digital Expansion Division awarded $82.4 million of that funding to AFN through a competitive grant process in September 2022.
AFN CEO Terry Metze praised the statewide collaboration behind the fiber network’s accelerated progress.
“This is what partnership looks like,” said Metze. “Through the leadership of Governor Ivey, the guidance of ADECA and the hard work of Alabama’s rural electric cooperatives, we are creating a network that will serve as the backbone for connectivity for generations to come… This network is truly by Alabama for Alabama.”
Statewide institutions are already preparing for the benefits improved connectivity will bring. Healthcare providers say the network will strengthen daily operations, telemedicine and access to specialists.
“Reliable broadband is no longer optional in healthcare,” said Jessica McGraw, CEO and administrator of J. Paul Jones Rural Emergency Hospital. “This network will allow us to prevent unnecessary disruption of services, securely share patient information, expand telemedicine and subsequently improve access to specialists.”
Governor Ivey concluded by reinforcing the network’s importance to Alabama’s long-term growth.
“Broadband infrastructure is just as essential as roads and bridges,” she said. “By finishing this project, we’re not just connecting cables; we’re connecting people, communities and opportunity across Alabama.”
Background
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The Alabama Middle-Mile Network includes roughly 3,500 miles of fiber connecting all 67 counties.
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The project received $82.4 million in ARPA funding administered through ADECA’s Digital Expansion Division.
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Deployment is led by the Alabama Fiber Network, a coalition of rural electric cooperatives.
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The system is designed to reduce costs for internet service providers, accelerate last-mile deployment and strengthen economic development statewide.
