Alabama community colleges to anchor statewide fiber network

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) and the Alabama Fiber Network (AFN) have announced that seven community colleges will serve as anchor institutions for a statewide fiber network. This initial phase aims to improve internet reliability and expand digital access across the state.

The first seven colleges to be connected include Gadsden State, Lurleen B. Wallace, Northwest-Shoals, Shelton State, Snead State, Southern Union, and Wallace Community College Selma. These institutions will act as community hubs, providing a launching pad for last-mile connections into surrounding neighborhoods, particularly in rural and low-income areas. The initiative intends to offer public access, Wi-Fi, and digital literacy training to vulnerable populations.

ACCS plans to connect all 24 of the state’s community and technical colleges by the end of 2027. The dedicated data network will provide high-capacity connectivity for colleges to share administrative tools, academic resources, and research opportunities. Beyond campus, the infrastructure is expected to support telehealth, agriculture, public safety, and economic development.