C SPIRE’S HISTORIC 1 GBPS FIBER TO THE HOME INITIATIVE RECEIVES 2014 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD FROM RIDGELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Madison County town recognizes broadband provider’s efforts as part of nation’s first and only multi-city roll out of 100 times faster Internet access

C Spire’s ultra-fast Gigabit broadband Internet technology initiative in Mississippi was recognized Monday night with the top economic development award from city officials and the Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce.

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee presented the award to C Spire executives during the business organization’s annual awards banquet – the first time in the award’s history that it was conferred on a company instead of an individual. Past winners have included developers H.C. “Buster” Bailey, Andrew Mattiace and Jeff Speed.

”As a growing, progressive community, we appreciate C Spire’s multi-million dollar investment in advanced technology for our city,” McGee said. “This infrastructure will enhance small business creation and attract high-tech businesses and new families while boosting home values and our overall quality of life.”

McGee and business leaders cited the promise of new jobs and a boost in the city’s tax base as key reasons for recognizing C Spire, which is building fiber optic connections directly to homes in the 24,430 population town.

Ridgeland was one of the first cities in Mississippi last year to qualify for Internet access up to 100 times faster than national average broadband speeds. In all, five of the city’s 12 fiberhoods have met their pre-registration requirements. Commercial service was turned in the first areas last November.

Homeowner pre-registration began in December 2013 for cities selected by C Spire as finalists for the nation’s first and only statewide roll out of next-generation 100 times faster Internet access, super HD digital television and home phone services.

“Fiber to the Home can be a transformative technology for communities, serving as a platform for innovation and a host of new Internet applications and experiences yet to be imagined,” said Wesley Goings, president of Telapex, Inc., parent company of C Spire. “We’re excited to partner with Ridgeland and other Mississippi cities and serve as a catalyst for technology investment, economic growth and job creation.”

Other Mississippi cities participating in the nation’s only statewide Gigabit technology initiative include Clinton, Corinth, Jackson, Quitman and Starkville. Besides Ridgeland, C Spire has turned up commercial Gigabit service in Quitman and Starkville.

For C Spire customers, the 1 Gbps Internet access is available for $70 a month, $90 a month for combined Internet and home phone, $130 for Internet and super HD TV and $150 a month for the three-service package. Non-customers must pay an additional $10 a month on all packages.

To pre-register or order service, go online at www.cspire.com/ridgeland, visit a nearby retail store or call 1.855.438.1009 (GET100X) between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday. To learn more about C Spire’s Fiber to the Home initiative, visit www.cspire.com/fiberhome.