Smithville and UDWI have some overlapping service areas. This project allows both companies to work together to bring fiber internet service more quickly and efficiently in common service areas. Building fiber in rural areas is costly. By partnering, each company can leverage their assets, lowering the cost of building fiber in hard-to-serve rural areas of the region.

Smithville is a member/owner in UDWI REMC with years of proven expertise in telecommunications. UDWI is a Smithville customer as well. Both companies share a similar, community-minded approach.

The partnership leverages Smithville’s expertise and UDWI REMC’s physical infrastructure to build the network and meet the needs of customers in the overlapping service area in a professional, fiscally responsible manner.

The initial project area includes roughly 800 customers in the rural area east of Stanford in Monroe County.

The announced project area includes homes presently served by copper-based service.

All homes included in the first construction were notified with a joint letter from Smithville and UDWI REMC mailed several weeks in advance of construction.

Information will also be included on the Smithville website using the “check availability” option.

Smithville is funding this project through private investments made by the company. The construction costs are not being passed on to either Smithville or UDWI customers.

All phases are expected to be complete by the end of 2022. Smithville is still taking orders and installing fiber to the homes from Phases 1 and 2. Additionally, Smithville is now offering early sign-ups to any members in the Stanford Project area. Interested members can request to get on the list for fiber when it reaches their area by calling (800) 742-4084 or visiting the Smithville website.