Local communities throughout Memphis will gain access to 2 gigabit
symmetrical fiber internet
MEMPHIS,
Tenn., Nov. 1, 2023 /CNW/ - Ting Internet, a
division of Tucows (NASDAQ: TCX) (TSX: TC), announced that it has
been selected to provide fiber internet service to Memphis residents, businesses, and
institutions in partnership with Blue Suede Networks.
Known for its world-class customer support and dedication to the
communities in which it operates, Ting launched its
fiber-to-the-home business in 2014 and is currently serving sixteen
markets. Ting expects service to be available to the first wave of
Memphians by Q3 2024.
"We would like Memphis to be
the most fiber-connected city in America, and a national model of
digital equity. Based on research, over 40% of residents are
eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program and more than 45%
do not have high-speed internet in their homes," said
Elliot Noss, CEO of Tucows and Ting
Internet. "Serving communities like Memphis is exactly why Ting got back to being
an ISP—to bring fiber internet service to underserved cities."
When the network launches next year, Memphians will be able to
subscribe to Ting's 2-gigabit symmetrical internet plan for
$89 per month, and qualifying
low-income residents will be offered the same service at no cost
once ACP is applied. Ting is proud to provide the fastest ACP
offering in the country, rooted in Ting's belief that all Americans
should have access to the best internet possible. Working with Blue
Suede Networks and the City of
Memphis, Ting plans to establish a digital equity program
that encourages broadband adoption, connects residents to
affordable devices, and offers digital skills training.
Ting and Blue Suede Networks created a partnership with
financially sustainable goals for both parties. The expansion into
Memphis enables Ting to bring its
expertise to a largely under-served fiber market.
To lead its marketing and adoption strategy in Memphis, Ting will be entering into a
partnership with The Vibranium Network, a team of marketers and
entrepreneurs led by Keith
Clinkscales, who specializes in using cultural influence to
create impact and build wealth in African American communities. A
two-time Peabody award winner with ESPN and the former CEO of
REVOLT Media & TV, Keith is an outstanding media professional
with a track record of spurring cultural change through
storytelling that has a lasting impact on both the entertainment
industry and communities.
Blue Suede Networks will build Memphis's fiber network through a phased
approach. The first residents are expected to receive Ting's fiber
internet services in Memphis in
summer 2024, with ongoing network construction projected through
2030. Once complete, the network has the opportunity to serve up to
315,000 addresses with Ting operating at launch as the exclusive
residential and small business internet service provider.
"We are excited to partner with Ting and the City of Memphis to provide better, faster
fiber-based connectivity, which will foster greater economic,
educational, and entrepreneurial opportunities for all Memphians
now and for generations to come," said Charles Elliott, CEO of Blue Suede Networks.
Memphis residents can visit
tinginternet.com/memphis to sign up for construction updates and be
notified when Ting service is available at their address.
About Ting
Ting provides superfast fiber internet in select U.S. towns and
cities. Ting is committed to net neutrality and the Open Internet.
More than that, Ting is committed to being a part of improving the
communities it serves by supporting and championing local good
works. Ting sponsors local programs, events, foundations,
festivals, charities, and public services everywhere we go,
investing in the future of the towns we serve.
About Tucows
Tucows helps connect more people to the benefit of internet
access through communications service technology, domain services
and fiber-optic internet infrastructure. Ting (https://ting.com)
delivers fixed fiber internet access with outstanding customer
support. Wavelo (https://wavelo.com) is a telecommunications
software suite for service providers that simplifies the management
of mobile and internet network access; provisioning, billing and
subscriptions; developer tools; and more. Tucows Domains
(https://tucowsdomains.com) manages approximately 24 million domain
names and millions of value-added services through a global
reseller network of over 35,000 web hosts and ISPs. Hover
(https://hover.com) makes it easy for individuals and small
businesses to manage their domain names and email addresses. More
information can be found on the Tucows corporate website
(https://tucows.com).
Tucows, Ting, Wavelo and Hover are registered trademarks of
Tucows Inc. or its subsidiaries.
About The Vibranium
Network
The Vibranium Network is powered through the currency of
influence. As a community we vote with our attention and our
dollars. The Vibranium Network helps to direct that power into the
community's hands. www.vibranium.network
About Blue Suede
Networks
Blue Suede Networks is a Memphis-based Fiber-To-The-Premises network
developer that aspires to serve every Memphis resident, business, and institution
with a high-speed fiber broadband network.
Delivering accessible and affordable fiber internet for every
Memphian is central to Blue Suede Networks' operation. The
company's fiber network will pass at least 85% of Memphis premises including 85% of the City's
low-income premises. Blue Suede Networks is partnering with
The City of Memphis, Ting, United
Way of the Mid-South, The Works, Tech 901 and ER2 to maximize
eligible low-income households in federal broadband benefits;
create access to tablets and laptops; deliver computer and digital
literacy training; and offer specialized technical
support.
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ting-selected-as-blue-suede-networks-fiber-internet-service-provider-301973475.html
SOURCE Tucows Inc.