CORNING, N.Y — Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative and Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) officially kicked off the first phase of their multi-year collaboration to deliver high-speed fiber internet to rural north-central Pennsylvania during a launch ceremony in Coudersport, Pa., today.
Federal, state and local officials, key vendors, and economic development, business and community leaders joined with representatives of Tri-County and its broadband internet subsidiary, Tri-Co Connections, to mark the beginning of a six-year project aimed at providing broadband internet service throughout the cooperative’s 5,000-square-mile service territory.
Tri-County becomes the first electric cooperative in Pennsylvania to launch a fiber-to-the-home internet project, which will provide its members access to affordable high-speed internet service.
“Our goal from the beginning has been to bring broadband to our rural communities just like we brought electricity to them back in the 1930s,” said Tri-County President & CEO Craig Eccher. “I am excited to report that our contractors have strung more than 35 miles of fiber-optic cable in the Coudersport area, and we will be connecting our first broadband customers in the coming days.
“This achievement would not be possible without the strong support of our elected officials and economic development leaders,” Eccher continued. “I am ever grateful to all who backed our efforts to bridge the digital divide in northcentral Pennsylvania.”
U.S. Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) attended the launch ceremony and congratulated the cooperative and Corning Incorporated for their efforts to improve the quality of life and encourage economic development in the region.
“I thank Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative and Corning Inc. for prioritizing this important infrastructure project,” Keller said. “Rural broadband expansion projects like this help unlock the potential of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District. In Congress, I will continue to support sound legislation that supports the expansion of rural broadband to enhance educational, business, and trade opportunities and provide for the future of Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.”
Corning Incorporated was selected as the optical fiber supplier for the project, which will result in the construction of 2,800 miles of fiber across all or parts of seven counties over the next five to six years.
“Corning Incorporated is the perfect fit for our broadband project due to its proximity to our service territory and our shared commitment to advancing the region’s economic development objectives and improving the quality of life for our residents,” Eccher said.
“This collaboration with Tri-County is an excellent example of Corning’s commitment to bring fiber to the American people across the country,” said Mike Jahn, FTTx Sales Director. “High-speed broadband is a necessity in today’s world, and we’re excited to help Tri-County deliver long-term value to communities across northcentral Pennsylvania.”
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About Tri-County Rural Electrical Cooperative
With headquarters in Mansfield, Pa., Tri-County Rural Electric Cooperative has served the residents of northcentral Pennsylvania since 1937. Today the cooperative provides electricity to over 16,600 members in Tioga, Potter, Bradford, Lycoming, Clinton, McKean and Cameron counties.
About Corning Incorporated
Corning (www.corning.com) is one of the world's leading innovators in materials science, with a more than 165-year track record of life-changing inventions. Corning applies its unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramic science, and optical physics along with its deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop category-defining products that transform industries and enhance people's lives. Corning succeeds through sustained investment in RD&E, a unique combination of material and process innovation, and deep, trust-based relationships with customers who are global leaders in their industries.
Corning's capabilities are versatile and synergistic, which allows the company to evolve to meet changing market needs, while also helping our customers capture new opportunities in dynamic industries. Today, Corning's markets include optical communications, mobile consumer electronics, display technology, automotive, and life sciences vessels. Corning's industry-leading products include damage-resistant cover glass for mobile devices; precision glass for advanced displays; optical fiber, wireless technologies, and connectivity solutions for state-of-the-art communications networks; trusted products to accelerate drug discovery and delivery; and clean-air technologies for cars and trucks.
