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Five internet service providers have been awarded millions of dollars for last-mile broadband projects in Tennessee.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
Over $34 million in last-mile broadband grants have been awarded as part of a $101.6 million funding wave in the second round of Tennesse’s broadband and digital opportunity grants.
Five service providers were awarded the funds, which were announced last week by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).
The largest share of funding, over $12.4 million, went to Spectrum Southeast.
The money will fund projects to serve residents in Carroll, Meigs, Moore, and Roane counties, according to TNECD’s release.
The second largest sum of last-mile funding awarded in the second round of TNECD’s broadband and digital opportunity grants went to United Communications.
That funding will go towards last-mile projects to serve parts of Marshall County, TNECD’s release stated.
Meanwhile, Skybest Communications was awarded a little over $5 million for a last-mile broadband project to serve parts of Johnson County.
Similarly, Ben Lomand Communications was awarded over $5.6 million for a last-mile project serving parts of Moore County.
Comcast was also awarded more than $4.2 million for last-mile projects serving parts of Roane County.
Over $67 million awarded for digital opportunity grants
The remaining funds in the TNECD’s second round, $67.1 million, went to digital opportunity grants.
The investments bring TNECD’s total commitment to expanding broadband infrastructure to $683 million, according to TNECD’s Oct. 30 announcement.
In comments included with TNECD’s release, TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter said his department continues to make significant strides.
TNECD has a goal of ensuring all residents have access to high-speed internet by 2028, the department’s release stated.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said high-speed internet access is essential for all Tennesseans.
“That’s why we continue making strategic investments in our state’s broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to create a pathway to education and skills training,” Lee said.
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