Working together to bring new internet options – Bruton Standard

Dragonfly Internet and Alabama Power have joined forces to bring high-speed internet to Escambia County to significantly improve the quality of life for Bruton and East Bruton residents.
By targeting these previously underserved communities, the partnership will help bridge the digital divide and open up areas of opportunity in education, healthcare and economic development for residents of these cities.
David Hartin, CEO of Dragonfly Internet, hailed the partnership as a transformative force.
“Our efforts with Alabama Power create a unique opportunity to bring true high-speed internet to small towns in Alabama in a way that is more cost-effective than traditional network deployment,” Harting said. “Brewton will become one of the first 10 towns in the state to provide better employment, health care and educational opportunities for all citizens.”
Patrick Murphy, vice president of Alabama Power’s mobility division, echoed Hartin’s sentiments, emphasizing the shared commitment between the two entities.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we stand ready to provide infrastructure that will enhance Escambia County’s growth for generations to come,” Murphy said.
Brewton Mayor Yank Lovelace was instrumental in negotiations between Dragonfly and Alabama Power to bring another internet option to the city’s residents and businesses.
“When the state of Alabama provides infrastructure funding, we have a number of companies that come forward with proposals to provide services to our city or improve services here,” Lovelace said. “Over the past year, we have worked with experts to evaluate these proposals and company capabilities to provide better internet service to Bruton. After thoroughly parsing all of these questions and answers, I believe that with both Dragonfly and Alabama Power The collaboration of two stable companies with a long history in the industry will not only meet our current needs, but will meet those for decades to come.”
Lovelace said he has been working toward a goal of improving internet service for more than a decade. He said Dragonfly would be installed to residential customers and businesses to compete with existing providers, all at no cost to the City of Bruton.
The partnership will leverage Alabama Power’s infrastructure and Dragonfly Internet’s technical capabilities to provide broadband services in the City of Brewton and East Brewton. Dragonfly Internet will lease available capacity on Alabama Power’s fiber optic infrastructure, which is designed to enhance the reliability and resiliency of its electric grid, as a backbone network to extend high-speed internet access to underserved areas.
Recent legislation spearheaded by Governor Kay Ivey, specifically House Bill 400 (Broadband Use Electric Easement Act) signed into law in 2019, has paved the way for such collaborative ventures. The legislation authorizes electricity providers to lease available existing infrastructure and easements to support high-speed internet plans.
In addition to solving immediate connectivity challenges, this partnership demonstrates Dragonfly Internet and Alabama Power’s unwavering dedication to rural development and sets a precedent for public-private partnerships to advance rural America into the digital age.
Christian Patel, leader of Alabama Power’s connectivity team, hailed the partnership as another step toward connecting more Alabamians.
“Our state has made significant progress over the past four years in improving connectivity infrastructure,” said Patel. “These types of partnerships are a critical factor in advancing Alabama’s workforce and economy into the future.”
High-speed internet service is expected to be available to residents and businesses in Bruton and East Bruton by fall 2024. To learn more, visit www.dragonfly.net.