Tatum Economic Development Corporation Announces Hilliary Communications Installing Fiber-Optic Broadband

Fiber-Optic Network to Empower Residents, Drive Economic Growth, and Enhance Education

The Tatum Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to announce that Hilliary Communications has officially commenced the groundbreaking process to lay fiber-optic cables in Tatum. This significant development marks a monumental step in enhancing our community’s connectivity and digital infrastructure. The new network will foster economic development, support workforce training, enable educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life for all residents.

The initiative, a collaborative effort between Tatum City Council, Hilliary Communications, and key community stakeholders, represents a significant step forward in Tatum's long-term vision of being a connected, modern, and thriving community. With the rapid advancement of technology, reliable broadband access has become essential for nearly every aspect of daily life, from business operations to education and telemedicine, and this project aims to bridge the digital divide for Tatum 's residents.

In addition to supporting residents and local businesses, this broadband expansion is poised to directly benefit several key industries that require fast, reliable internet connections to thrive:


Small and medium-sized businesses will benefit from the faster upload and download speeds, allowing for more efficient e-commerce operations, cloud computing, and online marketing. Local entrepreneurs can also tap into a wider market, while digital tools and platforms will improve their ability to manage operations, connect with customers, and grow.


This broadband initiative is not just about upgrading infrastructure—it's about transforming Tatum into a community prepared for the future. With a fiber-optic network that meets the demands of today's digital economy, Tatum is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years to come.

Construction of the fiber-optic network has begun, with completion expected in 2025. The project will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on connecting the most underserved areas of Tatum. Residents and businesses will be notified as service becomes available in their area.


For more information about the broadband project, including updates on construction, service availability, and how Tatum Economic Development Corporation can help your business take advantage of this new service, contact Nakia Smith by phone, email, or the TEDCO website.

More than 60 years ago, the Hilliary Family acquired a small telephone company in rural southwest Oklahoma. Now in its third generation, the company has grown from a single exchange with just 100 access lines covering 22 square miles to now serving more than 19,000 customers in 22 counties throughout Oklahoma & Texas. The company also offers IP television service and internet speeds up to 1 Gig. Hilliary Communications continuously researches the marketplace for innovations and strives to improve underdeveloped areas, offering services that exceed customer expectations.

About Hilliary Communications

"Tatum is a special place in East Texas. Geographically, we're close to major lakes and offer an incredible quality of life with some of the best homes in the area. Commercially, Tatum has 100's of acres of developable land and is situated at the intersection of the two main highways that travel this area. What's been missing is the broadband to connect the workforce requirements of regional industries with the quality of life available in Tatum, and this project is going to bridge that gap. We don't have an exact date, but the estimated timeframe for the last customer to be connected is approximately nine months. We're excited, and the region should be too."


- Nakia Smith, Executive Director TEDCO

“We are pleased to share the news of the upgraded internet capabilities for the City of Tatum, a development our community has long anticipated. This improvement will facilitate more efficient completion of home assignments for students. Furthermore, it will provide valuable support for our adult workforce who work from home and pursue higher education. As we navigate this technological era, we recognize that these enhancements will play an important role in our community's future growth and connectivity.”


-  Tatum, TX Mayor Mike Henry

Hilliary Communications work truck

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