FAQs

What is East Mississippi Connect?

The formation of East Mississippi Connect, LLC was approved by East Mississippi Electric Power Association’s Board in June 2020. EMEPA members voted to approve and ratify amending EMEPA’s Certificate of Incorporation allowing EMEPA to establish East Mississippi Connect as an affiliate to offer broadband services during the 82nd Annual Meeting in October 2020.

East Mississippi Connect is a telecommunications subsidiary of EMEPA offering fiber internet and telephone services to members within EMEPA’s service territory.

Why are you offering broadband service?

We believe greater broadband availability in our service area benefits our members substantially, including improvements in quality of life, economic development, education opportunities, health-care benefits, and economic growth. Additionally, by connecting our substations and office with fiber optic cable, we will create a truly smart grid that will provide us with more automation capabilities, ultimately increasing the reliability of our electric service to members.

This endeavor falls in line with our mission to deliver energy to empower lives. Broadband is the electricity of the 1930s and 1940s. Remember, in 1930 fewer than 10% of farms had access to electricity. Much like we did with electricity in 1938, we're going to provide real, affordable broadband to our members.

What is fiber, and what’s so special about it?

Fiber optic systems are tiny strands of glass that carry data (the internet) using light waves, resulting in much faster speeds than traditional copper lines. Most internet providers use fiber in their systems, but use copper lines for the final connections to the home, resulting in slower speeds. East MS Connect will bring fiber all the way into your home, giving you access to download and upload speeds up to 1 gigabit.

Fiber is more reliable than other types of networks and less prone to interference and complications from lightning and other natural elements.

How much does it cost?

Residential pricing will begin at $69.95 per month for 100-megabit service and $99.95 per month for 1-gigabit service. Give us a call at (601) 581-8800 for commercial pricing.

What is managed Wi-Fi?

Managed Wi-Fi enables East Mississippi Connect personnel to quickly and easily set up, maintain, and manage your wireless network, including troubleshooting, updates and security. It also includes a free smart home app that allows you to manage your Wi-Fi network, including Wi-Fi-enabled devices and parental controls.

Can I use my own equipment?

East Mississippi Connect will need to place at Optical Network Terminal (ONT) device inside your home to establish a connection to the fiber network, but you can use your own wireless router if preferred. The managed Wi-Fi services and free technical support would no longer be included if the East Mississippi Connect wireless router is not used.