Southern Telecom and Seimitsu form SouthernWaves, secure deal with South Downtown Atlanta project

ATLANTA, Sept. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southern Telecom, a subsidiary of Southern Company, and Seimitsu, a Savannah-based leader in broadband networking solutions, have announced SouthernWaves, a strategic alliance poised to deliver fiber-optic network services across the Southeast.

"We are excited to announce the formation of SouthernWaves, a collaboration that brings together the robust network of Southern Telecom and the innovative expertise of Seimitsu," said Bentina Terry, president and CEO of Southern Telecom. "This represents a significant step forward in delivering state-of-the-art fiber-optic network services. By combining our strengths, we are setting a new standard for connectivity, security and reliability, providing our customers with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world."

Traditionally, Southern Telecom has been known for providing dark fiber services, which require customers to manage their own network equipment. SouthernWaves is introducing lit services, with Seimitsu responsible for illuminating and managing bandwidth on Southern Telecom's secure fiber routes, which are installed in highly secure conduits. With 24/7 network monitoring at a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center in Savannah, SouthernWaves stands ready to respond to virtually any threat. This framework helps to ensure superior security features and provides seamless, reliable connectivity for customers, enhancing their ability to focus on core business operations without the complexities of network management.

In collaboration with Georgia Power, SouthernWaves has secured an agreement to serve the South Downtown Atlanta project, a transformative initiative aimed at revitalizing this historic neighborhood by converting 56 buildings, 10 continuous blocks and one million square feet into a second location of Atlanta Tech Village.

"The partnership between Southern Telecom and Seimitsu brings together unmatched expertise and innovative solutions to transform Atlanta's connectivity landscape," Terry said. "By harnessing the power of fiber's faster, more reliable and durable capabilities, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for our city. This high-capacity infrastructure supports essential services, from data transfer and logistics technology to emergency response coordination, helping to ensure our community's safety and efficiency. Fiber will play a pivotal role in revitalizing our historic neighborhoods and paving the way for future growth. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected Atlanta."

"Excitement reverberates across downtown among the signed leases, construction and openings," said Jon Birdsong, CEO at SoDo Atlanta, LLC, and one of the founding visionaries behind the South Downtown Atlanta project. "The partnership with SouthernWaves powers it all! SouthernWaves has brought creative thinking, quick action and speedy implementation to a very large and complicated geography. Their experience has transformed how we do business and how we're preparing for the World Cup and beyond!"

For the South Downtown Atlanta project, Seimitsu is leading the technology infrastructure work, while Southern Telecom provides metro fiber infrastructure. Georgia Power's involvement further strengthens the collaboration, delivering a comprehensive technology solution that successfully addresses the South Downtown developer's requirements, with technology serving as a key to enabling seamless support for commerce, innovation and advanced services across South Downtown Atlanta.

About Southern Telecom
Southern Telecom, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company, provides access to approximately 10,000 miles of high-count fiber, with a particularly dense network connecting Atlanta to other cities throughout the Southeast. The company also provides critical network elements such as access to rights of way, conduit and co-location facilities. The Southern Telecom network spans Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi. For more information about Southern Telecom and its services, please visit southern-telecom.com.

About Southern Company
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

About Seimitsu
Seimitsu is a Savannah-based full-service technology company specializing in fiber infrastructure, managed IT, and enterprise-grade cybersecurity. For more than 40 years, Seimitsu has delivered innovative communications and IT solutions to businesses, healthcare providers, and government agencies across Georgia. Seimitsu partners with carriers, enterprises, and regional institutions to expand connectivity and strengthen technology resilience across the Southeast. The company's cyber security division provides 24/7 Security Operations Center services—covering incident response, forensics, compliance, and advisory—helping organizations protect critical data and operations.

Recognized for its leadership and community commitment, Seimitsu continues to drive long-term regional growth with a customer-first approach.

SOURCE Southern Telecom