From TVEPA…This is great news from a great Panola County partner!

Service provided to fill need during coronavirus pandemic

BATESVILLE — TVEPA and its subsidiary, TVIfiber, is installing three public Wi-Fi hot spots in Batesville to fill a need caused by the current coronavirus pandemic.

Access to high-speed broadband is more important now than ever. The coronavirus pandemic has forced many people to work from home and students to participate in virtual classrooms or distance learning. TVEPA and TVIfiber understand that this can only happen with a fast, reliable internet connection.

“The coronavirus has affected our daily lives in dramatic ways, and that disruption may continue for some time,” said TVEPA and TVIfiber Chief Executive Officer Brad Robison. “We understand that many in our area do not have internet access or their internet is not sufficient for their current needs. We are working quickly to provide service to anyone that needs a fast, reliable broadband connection.”

TVIfiber, the fiber optic broadband subsidiary of TVEPA, recognized an immediate need for internet service and therefore reached out to Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey and Cole Flint Panola County board president, who offered full support of the plan.

Together we identified three sites that will serve the needs of the community. Those sites include:

• Batesville Civic Center: 290 Civic Center Drive, Batesville
• Factory Outlet Stores of MS/Concourse Workforce Center: 325 Lakewood Drive,

  Batesville

• Patton Lane Ball Park: Patton Lane and Wood Street, Batesville

  As of Saturday, March 21, the Batesville Civic Center site is active in the north parking lot. The other sites will be coming online in the near future.

  Due to the social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC, we encourage you to remain in your cars to limit exposure to yourself and others. We also recommend that priority be given to students needing to participate in online classes and those who need to work if they cannot be in their office.

“TVEPA and TVIfiber are honored to be a part of this community and are always searching for ways to serve our neighbors,” Robison said. “We have served this community for more than 80 years providing reliable power service. Our dedication to the community will continue with our internet service as well.”