Governor announces grants to improve internet access in rural areas

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WDEF) – Governor Lee announced grants today to improve internet access across Tennessee.

The $446 million dollars comes from the American Rescue Plan.

And the goal is to extend broadband connections in rural areas of the state.

Here are the providers in our area landing some of the grant money.

Bledsoe Telephone Cooperative
$17,729,814.96 – serving parts of Bledsoe, Sequatchie and Van Buren counties

BTC Communications, LLC
$5,066,519.04 – serving parts of Rhea and Cumberland counties

Charter Communications, Inc.
$20,429,809.00 – serving parts of Benton, Carroll, Loudon, McMinn, McNairy and Meigs counties

Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
$2,248,364.71 – serving parts of Anderson, Hamilton and Knox counties

Spring City Cable TV, Inc.
$1,925,574.21 – serving parts of Rhea, Bledsoe and Cumberland counties

Tellico Telephone Company
$12,958,999.00 – serving parts of Monroe County

Volunteer Energy Cooperative
$15,397,511.96 – serving parts of Williamson, Bradley and Polk counties

“People are moving to Tennessee from across the nation in record numbers, and we have an obligation to prepare our state for continued growth,” said Governor Bill Lee. “Our strategic investments in broadband infrastructure will ensure our rural communities are connected and have every opportunity to thrive, and I thank the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for managing dollars effectively to serve Tennesseans.”