Last fall, C Spire launched a companywide initiative, called the C Spire Tech Movement, to help the state rise in tech rankings. “We owe everybody the opportunity to flourish in a digital economy without being forced to leave rural America.” “For us, it’s about bringing affordable, 100+-Mbps broadband (high-speed internet) access to the areas where reliable and affordable high-speed internet access shouldn’t be seen as a nicety, but, in today’s work, as a basic necessity,” said Craig Sparks, vice president of technology at C Spire. It’s part of the telecommunications company’s bigger initiative to help Mississippi stay competitive in a tech-driven world. They are working to fill those access gaps with a program that aims to help bridge the digital divide, by expanding high-speed internet across the state. For anyone who is aware of the current economic state in Mississippi, this internet access shortfall could mean the difference between success and failure of the state’s economy in the future.Ĭ Spire agrees.

If the state had 100% access to high-speed internet, it could mean an economic boost of $750 million annually, or about $2 billion over 15 years. Roberto Gallardo, former Mississippi State associate professor and executive director of the Center for Technology Outreach, found that 36% of the state lacks access to fixed high-speed internet. Or you turn down a job because you don’t have reliable internet access to work remotely at home. You’re charged a late fee because you couldn’t log into your online account to pay a bill. Or your children losing points on homework assignments because they couldn’t upload them on time. Imagine not being able to stream movies for your weekly family pizza and movie night.

C spire home wifi booster