Birmingham, AL – The Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) has reached a significant milestone with the substantial completion of its statewide middle-mile network. As of this month, AFN is now providing service to 60 counties, covering 3,406 active miles of fiber infrastructure. The network includes 62 points of presence, with plans to bring three additional counties online soon.
This phase of the project nearly fulfills the objectives set forth by an $82.5 million middle-mile grant from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. In addition, AFN has secured two additional grants aimed at connecting community anchor institutions, further broadening the network’s reach and impact. While AFN does not directly serve individual consumers, it provides critical access points for last-mile and wireless providers, as well as institutions such as schools, hospitals, and emergency services.
“This is a major accomplishment for our state,” said Terry Metze, CEO of AFN. “Our team has worked tirelessly to not only meet expectations but to exceed them. We couldn’t be more thankful for the support of the AFN Board of Directors, ADECA, ALDOT, Alabama Power, and all our network partners. Without them, and without the support of local business and government leaders throughout the state, we would not be where we are today.”
The expansion aims to improve broadband access across Alabama, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The AFN network boasts a capacity of at least 400 gigabits, with scalability potential of up to 24 terabits per second. This infrastructure enables local broadband providers to offer high-speed, reliable connections, supporting various sectors, including education, healthcare, public safety, and economic development.
Alabama’s broadband expansion efforts have garnered national recognition. In a recent article for the Benton Institute for Broadband and Society, Matt Dunne commended Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for their strategic approach. “Alabama has become a national model for state initiative and success in broadband policy and strategy, showcasing the effectiveness of early planning, substantial executive and legislative support, and strategic use of federal funds,” wrote Dunne.
“Alabama’s broadband efforts are receiving well-deserved national attention. We are grateful that the state trusted us to help carry out these plans,” said Metze. “I’ve served in entities like AFN for over 30 years and across several southeastern states. Never have I seen so much support. There’s been such great work done by so many, and there is more to come.”
AFN was established to address the lack of middle-mile connectivity in rural Alabama. The initiative is a collaboration of eight electric cooperatives and their subsidiaries, including Central Alabama Electric Cooperative, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative, Covington Electric Cooperative, Cooperative Connection LLC, JWEMC Communications LLC, North Alabama Electric Cooperative, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, with Alabama Power serving as a fiber lease partner.
As broadband access continues to expand across the state, AFN’s middle-mile network is expected to play a crucial role in closing the digital divide and enhancing connectivity for Alabama residents and businesses.
