Tombigbee Fiber Enables First Responders to Deliver Lifesaving Services in Rural Mississippi With Free Wi-Fi Built on Calix SmartTown

Today, Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) announced that Tombigbee Fiber, LLC (Tombigbee) is the first customer to leverage the community-wide network they created with Calix SmartTown to grant first responders free access to secure and reliable Wi-Fi. This initiative ensures 68 first responder organizations in Mississippi have access to ubiquitous coverage at no cost—making a positive impact well beyond the Tombigbee customer base to benefit tens of thousands more residents. Soon, the Tombigbee team will deliver the same support to an additional 43 volunteer fire stations to reach hundreds more people.

“Parts of our communities cannot even access reliable cell service,” said Scott Hendrix, chief executive officer at Tombigbee Fiber and Tombigbee Electric Power Association. “The Tombigbee network, now free of cost to first responders, will save lives. It will support rural patients in need of immediate healthcare, provide critical communication lines for first responders, and ensure deputies have the backup they need in crucial moments. These are services every person deserves to have access to, regardless of where they live.”

To transform how first responders in rural Mississippi save lives and service the community, Tombigbee leverages the capabilities of SmartTown and the complete Calix Broadband Platform. Specifically, the Tombigbee team:

• Strategically deployed Calix Wi-Fi systems for expanded coverage. To launch SmartTown to their communities across Lee and Itawamba counties, Tombigbee deployed the Calix GigaPro p6he outdoor system in critical areas. With these access points in place, first responders can automatically connect to reliable broadband at a moment’s notice. Tombigbee will soon extend these services to Pontotoc County.
• Educated 68 first-responder organizations. Tombigbee worked closely with the award-winning Calix Customer Success Services team to plan informational sessions for first responders and public officials. After engaging with the community, Tombigbee saw enthusiastic responses and signups.

“Enabling first responders with free Wi-Fi is our way to give back to those communities and customers we serve,” said Hendrix. “If we can aid in saving one life, then we have succeeded.”