POPLARVILLE — Rural Mississippi is seeing significant growth in broadband internet infrastructure, and communities in Pearl River County are among those set to benefit.
The expansion aims to improve internet access for homes, schools and businesses, while also strengthening emergency communication systems.
In the Carriere community, progress is already underway. CoastConnect, a local internet provider, has recently extended its fiber network, delivering faster speeds to residents, schools and businesses. Still, some areas continue to face connectivity gaps.
The daily impact on education and small business
Megan Morgan, a Carriere resident, said service is inconsistent across the area.
“Even at (Pearl River Community College), I had a friend beg me to take her to McDonald’s just so we could have internet to complete and submit her assignments,” Morgan said.
She added that in emergency situations — like severe weather events — having reliable internet is essential.
“Even with emergency services, I depend on Wi-Fi. I need to have access to a good connection if an emergency happens,” she said.
PRCC student Kylea Rogillio said she struggles to submit assignments and receive timely news alerts. She said that complaint is common among her fellow students.
“Especially with friends, since we’re all so busy with work and school, sometimes the only time you can catch up is online — and it’s very frustrating whenever it doesn’t load,” Rogillio said.
Morgan also pointed out how slow internet disrupts communication between parents and schools.
“As a mother, it’s frustrating. My kids’ school sends out reminders through an app, and sometimes I don’t get them. I don’t want my child to be the only one not wearing pajamas on theme day,” she said.
Morgan concluded that her kids test on computers and if the Wi-Fi is out, they cannot do their test and teachers can’t use their programs during class. This concerns her about the education quality her children may receive.
Bridging the digital divide
Poplarville is currently undergoing construction with funding from two grant programs: Capital Projects Fund and Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. Homes and businesses north of the city airport are included in SwyftConnect’s service area. The southern area will be under Coast Connect.
Broadband refers to the network of cables, wires and equipment that enable high-speed internet access.
Mississippi currently ranks 39th among states in BroadbandNow’s annual rankings of internet coverage, speed and availability. Reports show that 23% of households in Pearl River County don’t have any type of internet access.
In 2023, 16.4% of the county’s population was below the poverty rate, according to Data USA. The median household income was $56,535.
Morgan said high prices still put internet access out of reach for many families.
“Everything is expensive, and if I have to choose between internet and groceries, internet goes to the bottom of the list,” she said.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which provided monthly discounts on broadband services, ended on June 1, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding by Congress. For many, that has added to the strain of staying connected.
Delays in construction and compliance
State broadband office Deputy Director Kyle Brown said bringing broadband to rural Mississippi hasn’t been simple.
The original plan was to place new lines on existing power poles, but pole height and spacing made it unfeasible. The project had to be reengineered for underground construction, triggering a review process with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Brown said construction teams are required to perform “shovel tests” — digging at regular intervals — to check for historical artifacts before continuing work. Those reports are reviewed by state and federal agencies.
“People want broadband tomorrow, but it takes time to go through the entire process,” Brown said. “From concept to finishing a project doesn’t happen in a week or two.”
Tools for residents seeking help
While there is no current federal discount program, broadband office Director Sally Doty encouraged residents to use the state’s online broadband map.
“If your address is marked with a green dot, that means federal funds have been assigned to your area, and a provider is building service there,” Doty said.
Brown said he also recommends calling service providers directly to ask about lower-cost packages.
After construction is completed, broadband service will be offered through local internet providers. Options and prices will vary depending on location and provider.
For now, residents like Morgan and Rogillio are hopeful that relief is on the way — and that their community’s connection to the digital world will finally catch up with its needs.