Major improvements to internet and residential cable services in the Foley area are on the horizon, following a recent partnership between the city and Riviera Utilities.

The shift, which will transition services from Riviera Utilities to Point Broadband, a fiber technology provider based in Opelika, is supposed to bring faster internet speeds and upgraded technology to the community.
Point Broadband has acquired the residential cable and internet services previously managed by Riviera Utilities and will implement a state-of-the-art fiber network. Construction is already underway to expand fiber services to all current customers, with completion expected in the coming months.

The change is set to give Foley residents — and others served by Riviera internet — the fastest service in the area, according to Brian Skelton, Riviera Utilities' chief executive officer.

"Riviera Utilities is proud to partner with Alabama-based Point Broadband as they transition our customers to an all-fiber network," Skelton said. "Point will be offering the fastest speeds in our market with the unmatched reliability of an all-fiber network and local customer service office."

"I would like to thank our employees who have provided outstanding Riviera Utilities broadband and cable services for so many years. I would also like to thank our customers for their loyalty to Riviera — you will be in great hands with Point Broadband," Skelton said.

Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich said Riviera provides excellent service to customers and Point Broadband will give area residents the best internet possible.

"I would echo Mr. Skelton's comments," Hellmich said. "Riviera Utilities has always placed the customers' needs first. This change will offer and expand technology options to our citizens. In this age having the very best broadband access is a necessity and this is another step in that direction. Over the past eight years our city and area has worked diligently to bring communication technology to all households."

Riviera Utilities, which is owned by the city of Foley, provides electric, water, sewer, natural gas and high-speed internet services to Foley, Elberta, Bon Secour, Summerdale and Magnolia Springs. The acquisition by Point Broadband will enable these communities to access the benefits of fiber internet technology.
Patricia Martin, Point Broadband's chief executive officer, shared the company's enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunity to improve service across the region.

"We are excited to extend, densify and aggressively grow our existing network across South Alabama. Point Broadband will be upgrading the area to a 100% fiber network, to deliver a superior broadband and customer service experience for residential and commercial customers currently served by Riviera Utilities," Martin said. "Riviera Utilities and Point Broadband will work together to make the transition easy. Together, we will continue to provide customers with the utilities they need and upgrade their internet experience by introducing them to the benefits of fiber."