TN government awards over $160 million in broadband access grants

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) made an important announcement today, April 30.

It was announced that the state will award more than $160-million dollars in broadband access and digital opportunity grants.

A total of $97.2 million is being funded by two infrastructure programs.

Some of the recipients in West Tennessee are Spectrum Southeast, Brightspeed and Gibson Connect.

“We’re working directly with internet service providers in some of our hardest to reach most remote, lowest population density areas in the state,” said Taylre Beaty, Program Director for TNECD.

In addition, more than $65 million will be invested in digital opportunity programs.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that residents have access to high-speed internet by 2028.

“We’re closer to closing the digital divide and to getting them the access they need to be able to get online and do all the things they need to do online,” said Beaty.

It also gives opportunities to develop digital skills, access high-quality tech jobs, connect to broadband enabled devices and access online learning and telehealth resources.

“This is just a really great investment in future-proofing our communities and really providing an opportunity for Tennesseans to have what they need,” said Beaty.

Beaty states she appreciates the effort on the state’s part to get closer to closing the digital divide.

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