ADECA affirms that no state funds have supported overlapping broadband projects in Montgomery’s Halcyon area, emphasizing strong safeguards, GIS verification, and transparency to ensure equitable access across Alabama.
MONTGOMERY, AL | In response to community concerns about potential overlap and inefficiency in Alabama’s broadband expansion efforts, state officials are emphasizing that no public funds have been wasted or duplicated in projects serving the Montgomery metro area, including the Halcyon neighborhood.
According to Mike Presley, Unit Chief of Communications and External Affairs for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), the broadband projects seen in parts of Montgomery are entirely private investments made by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) — not projects funded through state-administered broadband grants.
“No funds have been awarded to any provider for projects in the Halcyon neighborhood of Montgomery,” Presley clarified. “These are private projects by ISPs. ADECA has no enforcement authority over private expansion.”
Targeted Use of State Broadband Grants
Presley explained that the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund (ABAF) and the Capital Projects Fund (CPF) are designed to help ISPs expand into rural, unserved, and underserved communities where broadband service is not yet economically feasible without public support.
The state’s Be Linked Alabama website includes an interactive dashboard and county-level broadband profiles that clearly show where funding has been awarded. In Montgomery County, state-supported broadband projects are concentrated outside the city limits — primarily in communities that lacked access to reliable high-speed internet.
Robust Verification and Oversight
State officials say each project undergoes GIS verification and cross-referencing with both state and federal broadband maps to ensure accuracy and prevent redundant builds. ISPs are required to submit detailed shapefiles, speed tests, “as-built” drawings, and quarterly reports that are reviewed by ADECA engineers and the Alabama Digital Expansion Authority (ADEA).
“All projects are GIS verified against the FCC and Alabama Broadband Maps before any funding decisions are made,” Presley said. “We also require quarterly reporting, on-site field inspections, and final validation before payments are issued.”
Commitment to Transparency
ADECA has maintained a public broadband dashboard since 2022, allowing residents and stakeholders to track the location, status, and scope of projects across the state. This transparency, coupled with rigorous validation and progress reporting, ensures that Alabama’s broadband expansion efforts remain focused on bridging the digital divide — not duplicating service or funding.
A Model for Responsible Broadband Development
While confusion around multiple private ISPs building in the same area is understandable, Presley’s clarification underscores Alabama’s commitment to responsible broadband governance and data-driven project management. The state’s approach prioritizes accountability, efficiency, and equitable access, ensuring that every dollar spent advances the goal of connecting every Alabamian — especially in the state’s most underserved communities.
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-- By James W. Thomas
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