Written by Amanda Coers – Harris Broadband is expanding their service coverage to Early. Several years of planning have gone into the expansion project according to Robert Porter, who spoke on behalf of the internet service provider during a press conference held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 28th.

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“We’ve been working with Williams Communications, our design engineer, to develop a well designed system to deliver the services we already deliver in Brownwood,” Porter said. 

Harris Broadband started in Brownwood in 2005, with their first customers offered service in 2007. The internet service provider offers high speed internet, cable television, and phone services through a fully fiber optic network. 

“We’re transmitting signals over a fiber optic cable that travels the speed of light,” Porter said. “You can’t get any faster than that.”

The cable needed for the service is manufactured in Brownwood by Superior Essex. Bob Reynolds with Superior Essex said the 500 employees of the company are excited about the project. The Brownwood company will produce over 30 miles of cable for the installation.

“It’s another part of the partnership between Harris Broadband and Early with Superior Essex,” Porter said. “Also our financing is with Citizens National Bank. It’s a community effort, and one that we’re excited to move forward together.” 

Citizens National Bank offered a “significant financial commitment” to the expansion into Early, according to Robert Porter. 

Estimated time to complete the installation project is five months for the entire city of Early. Fiber optic cables will be tied into the network currently operating in Brownwood. As the cables are installed, customers in Early will be able to hook in immediately, without having to wait for the entire project to be finished. 

Installation will begin from the Pecan Bayou, building from West to East through the city. Businesses and residences will be able to access the system simultaneously as the installation extends. 

“When we pass them, we can hook them up,” Porter explained. 

Early City Manager Tony Aaron is excited to see the project begin tomorrow morning. 

“It’s going to be an incredible opportunity for the citizens of Early,” Aaron said. “The businesses are going to be able to have that direct connectivity. The citizens in their homes will be able to have that fast internet at their house. A lot of people work from their homes these days. It’s another step to build the economic growth that we’re seeing in Early.” 

Pictured at top: David Sheffield with Citizens National Bank, Early City Manger Tony Aaron, Jeff Buck and Bob Reynolds with Superior Essex, Robert Porter, Larry McConn and Bob Mangrum with the City of Early, Dan Walding, and Shane Willingham with Williams Communications.

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