PearlComm Fiber is nearing completion of its broadband expansion across parts of 12 counties in South Mississippi.
PearlComm Fiber began service in 2021 with a plan to complete the project in five years. The company now expects to finish by the end of this year or early next year, reducing the timeline by about two years.
Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association Manager of Marketing, Communications and Member Services Leif Munkel said the project started after the pandemic, which highlighted the need for broadband in rural communities. He said many residents could not work from home or attend classes due to lack of internet access. PearlComm Fiber’s expansion aims to address these needs.
PearlComm Fiber offers two main packages:
- 100 megabits per second for $54.95 per month
- 1,000 megabits per second for $79.95 per month
“We had another provider in the past and it was horrible and never working. PearlComm has been a game changer for our family,” one customer said. “The service is so fast and I am able to work from home more and even do my video calls without interruption. The kids can do schoolwork and play games without any lagging. Thank you for offering this in our area. Some of our friends who are stuck with another provider are very jealous.”
“PearlComm has surpassed every internet service I’ve had in the past. The service is phenomenal,” another subscriber said. “It’s the best occurrence to happen in this rural area. There’s no buffering, no lagging, and no slow uploads or downloads. It’s great. I’m actually getting what I pay for with this service.”
PearlComm Fiber currently serves about 14,000 subscribers and expects to reach 15,000 by the end of the year. Munkel said the final total may reach 18,000 subscribers.
“PearlComm has exceeded my expectations,” one satisfied customer said. “I used a mobile hotspot for internet service prior to PearlComm. My laptop could not use internet service with another device using the hotspot. I paid nearly $300 each month for phone, internet, and television with my former company. It is such a difference since switching to PearlComm. It was one of the best financial decisions that I could have made. Thank you for offering this service to our area.”
Munkel said the company’s approach is based on previous efforts to expand electric service. PearlComm Fiber is not a cooperative, but it serves many of the same members as Pearl River Valley Electric.
Munkel said customer feedback has been positive, with many reporting changes in how they use technology at home. PearlComm Fiber’s website includes a section for customer testimonials.
PearlComm Fiber’s goal is to provide broadband access to all areas within its service territory.
