Latest Telco and Electric Cooperative Fiber Broadband Partnership Offers a Unique Model

Smithville Communications and SCI REMC–a rural telecommunications provider and an electric cooperative, respectively–are teaming to build fiber-based broadband infrastructure to serve their common Indiana service areas. The telco electric cooperative fiber partnership project will serve about 3,400 residents and businesses in Ellettsville, Lake Monroe and Gosport (IN) communities with homes served by copper-based services. SCI REMC President and CEO James Tanneberger said that residential and business customers will be able to choose services from either company and that marketing efforts by the two will be independent. The project will begin immediately and is expected to be complete by June of 2023. “This partnership is a win for everyone involved,” Tanneberger said. “By working with Smithville, we are able to meet our electric smart grid needs and ensure businesses and residents have access to world-class high-speed internet in the most expeditious, fiscally responsible way possible.” It’s a unique partnership, where both partners will market and sell services to the same customer base.