MLConnect Crews Push Forward on Broadband Restoration

Approximately 20 mutual aid fiber workers assisting with storm recovery efforts

(12:00 p.m. February 4, 2026 – Centerville, TN)- Meriwether Lewis is transitioning to broadband-only updates while MLConnect crews continue working daily to restore service following Winter Storm Fern.

Approximately 801 members remain affected by broadband outages. About 95 percent of these outages are in Hickman, Lewis, and Perry counties and are directly related to storm damage.

We have approximately 20 mutual aid fiber workers alongside our local employees assisting us with repairs. Crews are currently working in multiple locations across the service area, focusing on repairing main fiber lines, neighborhood connections, and individual service drops as conditions allow. Here are some specific locations being worked on today. Crews will also be spread across the entire service area:

Hickman: Longview, Masons Bates Bend, Pleasantville, Wolf Creek Rd, Woodland Heights, Airport Rd, Highway 7, Highway 230, Roans Creek, Cavender’s Branch, Glenn Hinson Rd, Bluewater.

Lewis and Perry: Hwy 412 (Linden Highway), Flatwoods, Hwy 13, Woodmere, Indian Creek, Stanley Hinson.

The goal is to complete all remaining broadband repairs within the next two weeks. MLConnect and mutual aid fiber crews follow a structured restoration approach. Mainline fiber breaks are repaired first. From there, crews rotate through fiber splicing and repairing individual service lines and drops to homes and businesses. This coordinated process helps crews work efficiently and safely while restoring service as quickly as possible.

Members are encouraged to ensure all inside equipment is properly connected and powered on, including the router (gateway) and ONT. Loose or unplugged equipment can delay service restoration once repairs are completed.

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