Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Grant Deadline is Oct. 22

Posted: October 2, 2019

Broadband providers across the state are completing applications for the third round of funding of the Tennessee Broadband Accessibility Grants. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development will award $20 million in grant funding in 2020. This is an increase of $10 million above the 2018 grants.

Since the General Assembly created the the Broadband Accessibility Grant program, TNECD has awarded millions of dollars in grants — and these dollars have leveraged millions more in private investment.

“As of 2019, TNBA  member companies have been awarded more than $13 million in state broadband grants,” says association executive director Levoy Knowles. “Our members have combined that with local funds to bring broadband to many communities across the state.

Nick Sircy, left, John Hale and other DTC Communications crew install fiber in a new neighborhood at 12 Corners on the outskirts of Murfreesboro.
Nick Sircy, left, John Hale and other DTC Communications crew install fiber in a new neighborhood at 12 Corners on the outskirts of Murfreesboro.

In fact, beyond the millions already invested, Tennessee Broadband Association members will invest more than $400 million in fiber networks from 2019 through 2022.

“In order for the rural cities and towns in Tennessee to grow and thrive, every citizen and business — no matter where they are located — must have access to high-speed internet,” says Knowles. “Tennessee’s Broadband Accessibility Grants  help our members make that possible, and we appreciate the continued support and leadership of our elected Senate and House members.”