Nearly 10 years have passed since we announced a fiber broadband build across our electric territory … and since you told us our initial timeline was too long.
If we had stuck with our original plan, we’d be just over halfway done — faced with a more challenging economic environment. However, Tipmont’s board isn’t going to compromise when it comes to providing essential services you ask us to deliver on your behalf.
That’s why it’s exciting to have finished our broadband build a full four years ahead of initial projections.
Here’s a recap of the hard work and strategic decision-making behind the milestone.
After a Purdue University study revealed a 400% return on every $1 invested in fiber-optic broadband like Tipmont offers, the State of Indiana created the Next Level Connections grant program. This has helped Tipmont receive over $20 million in state and federal grant funding since 2020 and hire more crews to build to you faster, and at a lower cost to our members.
That wouldn’t matter without in-house network expertise. Tipmont’s 2019 acquisition of Wintek immediately infused our efforts with unrivaled institutional knowledge and propelled our progress. Wintek echoes Tipmont’s values for exceptional service and community engagement in providing fiber-optics and network technology.
Here’s what connecting thousands of you to fiber broadband has built in our communities:
- Working remotely with speed and reliability that contemporary careers require
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and economic growth
- Submitting (or grading) homework without driving to a restaurant or a parking lot
- Saving money by switching to streaming without sacrificing what you love to watch
- Enjoying those streaming services without buffering or lagging
- Enhancing quality of life and encouraging growth in our region
As for Tipmont’s electric service, I’m also excited that our co-op has taken major steps toward a more fair and flexible energy future. Tipmont’s recent exit from a Wabash Valley Power Alliance contract lets us pursue more competitive market prices and sensible sources of electricity to best serve you.
This summer, Tipmont hit a new record-high of 89 on the American Consumer Satisfaction Index — a metric measured by your evaluation of our work. While we won’t get everything right all the time, this indicates you’re happy with Tipmont today, and that’s a goal your Board of Directors will continually work to achieve.
Learn what’s next on your board’s agenda at this year’s 2025 Annual Meeting on Saturday, Sept. 13. There is no better way for you to make your voice heard than joining us and casting your vote for this year’s candidates for Tipmont’s Board of Directors.
In addition to our in-person event at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, we’ll have drive-thru voting at the fairgrounds and Tipmont facilities in Linden and Battle Ground. Just for attending, you’ll receive a $20 Tipmont electric bill credit.
Learn more about the Annual Meeting in your September Indiana Connection or online. In the meantime, sign and bring the postcard we mailed to you, join us at whatever location suits you best, and we’ll see you on Saturday, Sept. 13.
Brent Bible has been a member of Tipmont’s board since 2008 and is currently the board chairman. Retired after 12 years of active duty with the Indiana State Police, Bible manages his family’s farming operation in southern Tippecanoe and northern Montgomery counties. He lives in Tippecanoe County.
