Embracing remote work can be a game-changer for rural America, but it requires robust infrastructure and reliable internet connectivity. As remote work becomes more common, high-speed internet will allow Italy to compete for residents seeking a slower pace of life outside of the city.

Known as "The Biggest Little Town in Texas" the beautiful town is living up to it's big name attracting more residents thanks to the town's improved high-speed internet. 

Legacy ISP, LLC provides internet service in Italy and surrounding areas, often receives calls from potential customers inquiring about internet service speeds. Founded in 2014, Legacy became broadband service providers to underserved communities in Ellis and Johnson counties. Over the past eight years, the high speed heroes have expanded their network using a combination of wireless and fiber-to-home technologies to reach over 5,000 customers across 18 Texas communities.

Locations currently in their coverage area include Alvarado, Venus, Midlothian, Maypearl, Waxahachie, Red Oak, Ovilla, Reagor Springs, Palmer, Bardwell, Ennis, Avalon, Itasca, Forreston, Italy, Milford, and Hillsboro. Still, many rural areas lacked the connectivity needed for modern life and work.

Partnering with local leaders and with the help of a $4.8 million USDA Reconnect loan, Legacy ISP is undertaking over 30 miles of new fiber lines that will provide high-speed broadband access to an estimated 1,300 homes and businesses in and around the small town of Italy.  This public-private partnership is a great example of local, state, and federal resources coming together to support economic opportunities in small towns.

Big Changes Thanks to a New Fiber Optic Network 

During the groundbreaking event in Italy, Texas,  Mayor Cockran reflected on how students struggled with remote learning and people struggled working from home because of the lack of adequate broadband during the COVID-19 pandemic. But since, he's seen the benefit of improved internet access as more people moving to Italy seek a remote work-friendly lifestyle.

The small town has had a couple pockets of people randomly move in from other states. When he'd ask why, the response was always about working remotely. With the increasing number of residents moving to the area from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area, the demand for carrier grade broadband access has increased. Legacy cites fiber as the best internet for the increased capacity and fiber as the best choice for future upgrades.

Local farmers should expect to see major benefits from the new fiber connection as well, since a lot of the latest tools in agriculture require reliable, high-speed internet to run systems and transmit data. 

City leaders and Legacy agree, the future is bright for rural broadband and economic growth in Italy, Texas.