JACKSON, Tenn. — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and the Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) made an important announcement today, April 30th.
It was announced that the state will award more than $160 million 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 include Spectrum Southern, Brightspeed and Gibson Connect.
“We work directly with internet service providers in some of the remotest, least densely populated and most difficult to access areas of the state,” said TNECD Program Director Taylre Beaty.
In addition, more than $65 million will be invested in digital opportunity programs.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure residents have access to high-speed internet by 2028.
“We are getting closer to bridging the digital divide and giving people the ability to go online and do everything they need to do online,” Beatty said.
It also provides opportunities to develop digital skills, access high-quality technical jobs, connect to broadband-enabled devices, and access online learning and telehealth resources.
“This is a really great investment to prepare our community for the future and really give Tennesseans the opportunity to get what they need,” Beatty said.
Beatty said he appreciates the state's efforts to close the digital divide.
For more statewide news, click here.
