Telecommunications giant AT&T said three industrial parts in fast-growing Prattville have been certified “Fiber Ready,” meaning they’re prepared to meet the needs of businesses needing high-speed data access.
The designation positions South Industrial Park, Legends Park at HomePlace and Interstate Business Park for growth by showcasing their fiber infrastructure and high-speed communication capabilities, officials said at a ceremony Tuesday.
“AT&T’s Fiber Ready designation will help us advertise to potential investors from around the world that we are ready to meet their needs right here in Prattville,” said Adam Stephenson, chairman of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Officials said the development will provide an economic development boost to the area. The City of Prattville has teamed with Autauga and Elmore counties in a partnership on infrastructure improvements that attract new business activity.
“Key infrastructure is a great advantage and makes our area more competitive. For businesses in today’s economy, data communication is a necessity,” said David Bowen, chairman of the Elmore County Commission.
CONNECTIVITY NEEDS
Angela Till, deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said the AT&T Fiber Ready certification is a tool that will boost both business recruitment and retention efforts in the area. High-speed data access is a critical part of the site selection process for many companies, she added.
“These days, ultra-fast fiber-based services are a vital part of a community’s infrastructure. Without them, communities fall behind,” Till said. “With this collaboration, community leaders and AT&T have ensured that the Prattville area is equipped to meet the connectivity needs of business, both today and tomorrow.”
Fred McCallum, president of AT&T Alabama, said the company is making substantial investments in high-speed Internet technology across the state, helping community leaders drive job creation.
“Each and every day, our more than 6,300 employees are turning AT&T’s billions of dollars in financial investment into high-speed Internet for consumers and businesses across Alabama,” McCallum said. “Those investments are possible in large part because of the positive, pro-business policies championed by our elected officials at the local and state levels.”
While AT&T has been installing fiber for high-speed telecommunications in Alabama since the 1980s, the Fiber Ready certification program was introduced only last year. As of today, AT&T has certified 21 industrials parks across the state as Fiber Ready, with more to come.
Here’s a list of current AT&T Fiber Ready Sites.
