Major improvements in Foley area internet and residential cable services are underway with a transition approved by the city and Riviera Utilities. 

Point Broadband, a fiber technology provider based in Opelika, acquired the residential cable and internet services previously provided by Riviera Utilities. Point Broadband plans to improve the network with state-of-the-art fiber. Construction to provide fiber services to all current customers should be complete in the coming months.

The change will give Foley customers and others served by Riviera internet the fastest service in the area, Brian Skelton, Riviera Utilities chief executive officer, said.

“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.”

He said Riviera has been proud to serve customers in the South Baldwin region.

“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 provides electric, water, sewerage and natural gas services to Baldwin customers. The company provides high-speed internet services to Foley, Elberta, Bon Secour, Summerdale and Magnolia Springs. The city of Foley owns Riviera Utilities. 

The acquisition will help upgrade Riviera customers’ internet speeds and experience by building fiber to the home and business. Point Broadband will be densifying their network and doubling its footprint in the area to bring fiber internet to more residents, in more communities.

Customers will be switched over to Point Broadband customers as the new system is completed and begins operation. Residents will be notified about the schedule and services following the sale.

Patricia Martin, chief executive officer of Point Broadband, said Riviera internet and cable customers will soon see improvements in their service with the change.

“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."