Scott County Telephone Cooperative CEO featured on “Lead Tennessee Radio”

Podcast focuses on importance of broadband with Bill Franklin

Bill Franklin, CEO of Scott County Telephone Cooperative, was a recent guest on the podcast “Lead Tennessee Radio.” The show is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association.

In the episode, Franklin discussed the importance of grant opportunities and partnerships to broadband expansion in rural Tennessee. Other topics of the interview included the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the cooperative and the greater demand for broadband.

Franklin discussed multiple fiber projects underway for SCTC, which currently has 7,500 customers on fiber. New and ongoing construction projects will add another 1,000 customers to fiber by the end of next year.
“Broadband is changing how we work and do business,” Franklin said.

Franklin also highlighted a partnership between SCTC and Powell Valley Electric Cooperative to expand broadband into Union County. SCTC recently received a $1.9 million grant that helped support the expansion.

“We wouldn’t be able to build for all their customers without working with Powell Valley,” Franklin said of the decision to work together. “By having a partnership, it has made us a lot more efficient.”

The “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing Tennessee with state leaders and lawmakers. Past episodes feature House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville; Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge; House Majority Leader William Lamberth, R-Portland; Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, R-Franklin; and many more.

“The cooperative and independent telecommunications companies who comprise the TNBA are working hard to ensure that everyone in rural Tennessee has access to this life-changing technology,” said Levoy Knowles, TNBA executive director and host of the show. “This podcast is a great opportunity to have conversations with state and industry leaders who are on the front lines working for a connected Tennessee.”

“Lead Tennessee Radio” can be found on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play, as well as tennesseebroadband.com.