Orient set to get Futiva Internet Services

(From Left to Right) Jennifer Olson, John Gossett and Rick Linton meet with Orient Mayor Jan Segatto in March 2021.

Earlier this year, Mayor Jan Segatto (not pictured) met with John Gossett, Franklin County Board, Jennifer Olson, Director of Economic Development for Greater Egypt Planning, and Rick Linton, Director of FREDCO, at Orient City Hall.

Among the many needs discussed for Orient, bringing our community a reliable, fast and affordable internet solution was at the top. Currently there are only two wireless internet service providers available for Orient residents with restricted speeds due to the infrastructure of their respective systems.

Along with the combined efforts of these organizations and a $46.4 million grant, Orient will soon be receiving an upgraded internet option from Futiva.

Futiva was born as a subsidiary of Hamilton County Telephone Co-op. With the USDA’s grant and loan program, Futiva will be able to serve just under 8,000 locations in portions of the rural areas of Franklin, Saline, White, and Williamson counties in the coming years. Some of these areas include Lake Benton area, Orient, Whiteash, Spillertown, Pittsburg, Paulton, Crab Orchard, Harco, Ledford, Pankeyville, Muddy, Wasson, Raleigh, Brownsville, Colony West, as well as many other rural unnamed areas. (Read more at https://bit.ly/2RXp0NB)

There are currently no hard dates attached to these plans, but information will be distributed as it is received.