$600,000 Pilot Program Bringing Internet Access to Orchard Knob

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Titled “Connectivity and Health in Orchard Knob,” a pilot program is bringing in-home internet access to the previously undeserved neighborhood.

Five organizations have teamed up to deliver on this project.

One of them is Parkridge Health System.

“We looked at different agencies that were working in the area, and the ask was simple — if Parkridge raises some money for your agency, will you spend it in Orchard Knob, and the answer was yes.”

The project is funded by a 600,000 dollar grant issued through the TVA’s Connected Communities Grant Program.

“What this grant is potentially going to offer is the ability to ensure that all the residents are wired, right? Everybody has internet capability; everybody has hardware.”

Following the expansion of internet access, the program’s partners hope Orchard Knob will serve as a model for other communities across the Tennessee Valley.

One of the benefits of the expansion is access to telehealth.

“Being able to have access to that internet, to do a one on one with your physician or whatever physician is there, in order to accommodate you on whatever issue you’re having.”

The pandemic greatly increased the need for access to telehealth.

“Pretty much every system and doctor’s office almost had to adopt into having a telehelath presence.”

Work on expanding internet into Orchard Knob is expected to begin this month.