HTC announces next phase of broadband expansion in Marion and Georgetown counties

Posted on July 29, 2021April 13, 2023 by Lisa Martin

Conway, SC, July 28, 2021 – HTC announced today $9 million worth of broadband expansion projects in Marion and Georgetown counties, made possible by local public-private partnerships and state and federal funds. These projects, which will build off the success of HTC’s $4.7 million in CARES Act projects, will be complete by September of 2022.

As a local cooperative with decades of experience in building local fiber networks, HTC has the knowledge and skills needed to help bridge the digital divide quickly. After HTC completed its CARES Act projects ahead of schedule, local leaders helped the Cooperative keep the momentum going.

“This second phase of projects wouldn’t be possible without the support of leaders across the community,” said Von Todd, Chief Executive, Corporate Strategy & Analytics. “When HTC stepped up last fall to begin connecting homes in Marion and Georgetown, everyone from the school districts to church leaders to elected officials partnered with us to help champion these additional projects.”

“We are excited for phase two of HTC’s broadband expansion in Marion,” said Marion County Administrator Tim Harper. “This partnership between HTC and Marion County will help improve the lives of our citizens, and we look forward to continuing to find funding for future projects that will continue to expand broadband access throughout our county.”

“HTC’s commitment to Georgetown County began long before the pandemic, but our partnership has allowed us to accelerate broadband expansion and spur transformational change throughout the county,” said Georgetown County Administrator Angela Christian.

HTC is deploying fiber to the home in these areas, which is the industry gold standard for broadband infrastructure.

“With speeds of up to 1 Gig, our state-of-the-art fiber network will allow residents in Marion and Georgetown to seamlessly connect to what matters most,” Todd said. “They’ll also enjoy the benefits of being a local Cooperative member, which includes competitive pricing, 24/7 local technical support, and earning capital credits.”

While these projects won’t cover the entirety of the counties, HTC hopes to announce additional phases in both counties this fall.

Future HTC members can request service by calling 843-369-8633 or by visiting www.htcinc.net/broadbandexpansion.  HTC will notify residents once service is available in their areas.

About HTC

HTC, Inc. is the nation’s largest telecommunications cooperative.  Founded in 1952, HTC celebrates over 65 years of service to Horry, Georgetown, and Marion counties as a local communications leader.  HTC offers High Speed Internet, Digital Cable, Digital Wireless, Home Security, local telephone and long distance service, and advanced business services such as Local and Wide Area Networks (LAN/WAN), Managed Networks, VOIP Solutions, WiFi Solutions, Firewall and Security services. HTC provides these services utilizing the area’s most extensive fiber optic network.