Have you ever stared at the toilet paper in the grocery aisle for so long that a store employee tapped you on the shoulder and asked, “Do you need help with anything?” — Of course, you knew what they were genuinely asking. Their eyes said it all: “Uhhh…are you alright? You’ve been staring at the cartoon bear and angel for six minutes.” — It’s okay. We’ve been there too. And hey, toilet paper is expensive. Buying a pack no longer feels like an easy, mindless task. Today, every purchase we make feels like a crucial financial decision that could gravely impact our retirement plans and the security of our financial futures! (Woof. Okay. Let’s take a breath). It’s true that in today’s struggling economy, we have to take all of our financial moves seriously. But thankfully, we’re here to tell you that you can stop staring at the toilet paper. That doesn’t mean we can magically switch your bank account with Jeff Bezos. But we can tell you that now that fiber internet service exists in Alcorn County, the local economy (and your pocket) will only benefit positively from it.
It’s no surprise that access to fiber internet contributes to the foundation of a prosperous local economy. Fiber infrastructures have benefited rural communities and state economies for years, and we’re confident that the fiber infrastructure built by ACE Fiber will follow suit. A study conducted by the Hudson Institute found that rural broadband companies with a fiber infrastructure contributed $24.1 billion to the states’ economies in which they operated in 2015 and the rural broadband industry created and generated 69,595 jobs in the same year. With more jobs available and a higher Gross Domestic Product, we believe that all Alcorn County residents will soon reap the benefits of a booming local economy.
We already see some of the benefits of fiber infrastructure for our economy. Alcorn County homeowners are ditching their sluggish cable or DSL internet service providers that eagerly take money out of their pockets month after month. Why should homeowners stick with an ISP that bills them monthly under a locked-in contract while adding zero value to their homes? Alcorn County homeowners are switching to ACE Fiber’s reliable, lightning-speed fiber internet because ACE Fiber puts money back where it belongs – in their pockets – because access to ACE Fiber’s lightning-fast fiber-optic internet service increases property values. Yes, you read that correctly. Adding value to your home has never been so easy! A recent study shows that fiber-optic internet accessibility can increase a home’s value by $5,437, which is roughly the equivalent value of adding a fireplace or half bath to your home (with zero renovation costs). So go ahead, buy any brand of toilet paper you want — your financially savvy self deserves it!
Now. Let’s talk about your new neighbors. No, we don’t mean gossip about them. Our intentions are quite the opposite. Let’s talk about welcoming young professionals or “rural migrators” to our community. We love Alcorn County, but small communities like ours have some harsh realities to face. As our residents grow older and retire, many of our local businesses close for good. Paul Epenkyong of PPC describes this phenomenon well:
Many rural communities, particularly those outside typical commuter belts, face growing pressures. Village amenities, such as shops, schools, and pubs, are under threat as the population ages or shrinks and young people move to towns and cities. This is a vicious circle — as amenities close, more people leave, reducing the population further.
We at ACE Fiber are working hard to help end this “vicious circle.” Everyone needs a place to call home. With access to lightning-speed fiber internet, we want young professionals looking to escape city life to head here – to Corinth, Mississippi. So, how about we welcome them when they arrive?
An economy is only as strong as the inherent values of the community that bolsters it. ACE Fiber can testify that Alcorn County has some of the most substantial social values in America. Let’s build our economy together. Let’s increase property values together. Let’s welcome our new neighbors together. And ultimately, let’s have the financial freedom to splurge on some quality toilet paper — together.
