Reliability Runs Deep

Eastex’s Network Is Built To Last

There is a saying that gets tossed around when people talk about something challenging. They say, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” 8 years after starting an ambitious plan to convert its entire 12-county coverage area into a 100% fiber network powered by underground infrastructure, the Eastex team knows all about challenges.

The easier path across 2,300 sparsely populated square miles would have been to rely heavily on aerial lines. Construction would have moved faster, and labor demands would have been lower. But in the long run, members would have been left with a network more vulnerable to outages, weather damage, and ongoing maintenance challenges. In heavily wooded areas of East Texas, aerial lines also face increased risks due to falling limbs and vegetation interference.

Instead, Eastex chose to build for the future.

Mile after mile, Eastex invested in underground fiber infrastructure designed to deliver greater reliability and long-term performance for the communities it serves. Crews secured permits for sensitive forested areas, worked nimbly in restricted easements, and cleared unexpected hurdles along the way, like a global pandemic and supply chain disruptions. Through each challenge, the Eastex team stayed focused on the goal of doing the right thing for members.

Today, the Eastex fiber build is approximately 95% complete. The final miles are the biggest challenge, but the team is committed to finishing strong and delivering the dependable communications network members deserve.