Broadband Connectivity Program

DeSoto County Connect: Expanding Broadband, Strengthening Community

Broadband Now Available to Every Resident!

The DeSoto County Broadband Connectivity Program (BCP) buildout is now complete! As of March , 2025 - all 3,520 addresses in the program now have access to high-speed internet.

If your address appears on the map below but you are unable to receive service from the listed provider, please contact us. Email Broadband@desotocountyms.gov or call 662-469-8192. If no one is available to answer, please leave a message, and someone will follow up with you.

How do I know if internet is available?

You can check to see if internet is available by clicking on the Broadband Map.

When the map opens - type your address or click on the dot.
- If the dot is half green - that means internet is available.
- If the dot is solid blue or orange - it means your area is still under construction.

BROADBAND MAP

C Spire AT&T Uplink

How do I sign up for Broadband?

If broadband is available, or if you want to preregister for service, you can go to the Internet Provider's websites.

AT&T: If you are in the Blue/AT&T area you can click here to see if service is available.

CSpire: If you are in the Orange/C Spire area you can click here to see if service is available.

Uplink: If you are in the Yellow/Uplink area you can click here to signup for service.

Why isn't my address on the Broadband Map?

If your address is not listed, you may have access to internet that you are not aware of. The State Broadband office (BEAM) has a map that lists available internet for each address. If you don't have access, or if your home was newly built, internet companies may be planning on providing service. If you have questions, you can call the DeSoto county Broadband office for assistance 662-469-8192.

How can I report issues?

We know no one likes construction equipment in their neighborhood or outside their door. That's what residents will see when contractors are in your neighborhood. Contractors working on BCP installations are required to repair any damage. If you are unable to get resolution through the contractor or internet provider; or if you don't know which Broadband area you live in, you can contact the Broadband Program.

Call 662-469-8192
Email: Broadband@desotocountyms.gov

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Bringing High-Speed Internet to Every Corner of DeSoto County

DeSoto County is making history by completing a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership in Mississippi—bringing high-speed internet access to homes and businesses across the county.

Closing the Digital Gap

In January 2023, it became clear that more than 3,520 households—about 11,616 residents—didn't have access to reliable high-speed internet. The challenge? Internet companies stated extending service to these areas was costly, and for many providers, the investment just didn’t add up.

A Commitment to Connection

Recognizing that internet access is just as important as the road in front of your house, the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors took action. The County pledged up to $11 million from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a number that was lowered to about $7 million with additional grant support provided by the State. This strategic use of resources helped offset the costs of expanding broadband infrastructure. Grants were awarded to three Internet Service Providers, each responsible for connecting specific areas within the county.

Who's Bringing Service to Your Area?

Grants were awarded to three Internet Service Providers after a competitive proposal process, including how much each ISP pledged of its capital funds towards the project. Each ISP is tasked with bringing high-speed internet to specific areas of DeSoto County. Here's how the coverage breaks down:

Broadband Connectivity Program Launch:

It was a day more than a decade in the making. On January 20, 2023, in front of a packed house, Supervisors announced the launch of the Broadband Connectivity Program - with the mission of access to broadband service for everyone in DeSoto County within 24 months. .Supervisors Lee Caldwell, Mark Gardner, and Ray Denison made the announcement during a special Community Broadband Meeting.

The Broadband Connectivity Program is providing grants to three Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to expand broadband access to more than 3,500 residences without high-speed internet. (See next page for details.) The grant money is coming from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding distributed to the county. All three internet companies will begin on the broadband expansion as soon as contracts are finalized. Construction is expected to be complete within 24 months. Some areas will receive internet within 6-9 months.

The push for broadband began in 2012 with a survey to determine areas were with and without internet. It was the first step needed to show that the FCC's coverage maps were wrong. In 2012, the FCC maps stated everyone in DeSoto County had access to internet. That was wrong then - and it's still wrong today. More than 10,000 people living in 3,500 homes still can't connect to high-speed internet.

Since 2012, Supervisors have met with state and federal lawmakers, even going to Washington D.C., to try and get help for citizens without internet. (See sidebar) In 2012, about 10,000 addresses were on the other side of the digital divide. That number is now down to about 3,500. By 2025, the objective is to have that number close to zero.

Sally Doty, Director of the Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) office, attended the Broadband Community Meeting. She spoke about the funding available for broadband projects and the state's mapping of broadband service.

Supervisor Lee Caldwell took Director Doty and others on a tour of the county to look at addresses that don’t have access to internet, and others that are missing from the FCC’s Broadband Map. DeSoto County is working with the BEAM office to make sure the FCC’s Broadband Map lists every home in DeSoto County.

The BEAM Office is asking everyone in Mississippi to help complete the state's internet map by taking a 2 minute speed test at https://broadbandms.com. Or text/call 601-439-2535 if you don't have any internet service.