CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Electric Cooperative in June announced big news for its customers: the launch of Sprout Fiber Internet. So far, according to Cullman EC, 108 miles of Sprout Fiber Internet loop have been constructed. When the first phase of the project is complete, an estimated 12,000 co-op members will be able to connect to the fiber optic network. Phase 1 is expected to be complete by the end of 2021.
Cullman EC Manager of Communications & External Affairs Brian Lacy said, “We started at our office and we went up Eva Road and down Highway 157 heading east. We went down to Berlin, out to Fairview and over to Holly Pond. Our crews are now somewhere going down between Holly Pond and Hanceville with where they are on the main line fiber construction.”
The co-op planned for some rainy days, so the project is still on schedule. As crews continue to complete the loop, the co-op is focusing on spreading the word about Sprout.
“We still have information up on our website where people can type in their information,” said Lacy, “and we will get back to them and let them know if they are in Phase 1 or not.”
This fall, the co-op will begin testing in the areas where fiber is already installed with a few “friendlies” or beta-testers.
Lacy explained, “It will give us some real experience of some people using it and get some feedback. Also, it will allow us to test our billing system. If everything goes well with that, we are hoping to get our first turned-on paying customers set up probably right after the beginning of the new year.”
While the testing is taking place, the main line fiber crew will continue to install fiber on the planned loop.
Said Lacy, “Behind that, we will be coming in and building out the system into people’s homes, and as we get areas ready, turning those areas on.”
When asked about the Baileyton and Joppa communities and whether they were part of the Phase 1 loop, Lacy replied, “That’s one of the unique things about our project. There’s going to be about 12,000 people who are in Phase 1. There are going to be some people in every part of the county that will be part of Phase 1. Every community, in Fairview, in Holly Pond, in Hanceville, in West Point, no matter where you are, there’s going to be some people who are part of Phase 1 and some that are not. There’s not going to be a situation where an entire area is included. There will be some parts going out towards Baileyton that are included, especially right along Highway 69. If people will go to the website and type in their address, then we can know for sure and (it will) tell them if they are indeed part of Phase 1 or if they are going to be part of what we hope to do in the future.”
The loop, as it is being constructed, is moving in a clockwise direction.
“We hope to have Phase 1 completed by the end of 2021,” said Lacy. “You can imagine if we are going clockwise, West Point is kind of on the back end of that. We are coming! It’s part of our plan and we will get there.”
As for future phases, Lacy is very optimistic, saying, “If everything goes well with Phase 1 the way we think it will, and by every indication based on the response we’ve had, we plan to extend it out to everybody beyond that.”
The public’s response since the co-op has announced the launch of Sprout Fiber Internet has been “fantastic” according to Lacy.
He said, “Thousands and thousands of people have come on to that website to search and see if they are in Phase 1 and to learn more information about it. We are having dozens of people every day who are submitting inquiries on the website.”
For more information about Sprout Fiber Internet or to see if your address is included in Phase 1, visit https://cullmanec.com/sprout.
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