‘Lead Tennessee Radio’ features Twin Lakes CEO Jonathan West
Twin Lakes is leveraging partnerships across the state for a connected Tennessee
Jonathan West, CEO of the telecommunications cooperative Twin Lakes, was a recent guest on the podcast “Lead Tennessee Radio.” The show is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association.
On the podcast, West, who heads the Gainesboro-based cooperative with about 30,000 members, discussed how Twin Lakes has taken the partnership model to another level. Twin Lakes has formed multiple partnerships with other utility companies across the state to expand broadband into unserved areas.
“We leverage their resources. We leverage our resources. Then we look for grant funds to fill in the gaps,” said West. “We realize the Tennesseans we serve are not that different from the Tennesseans without broadband all across the state.”
West also discussed $1.4 million in grant funding that will provide access to gigabit fiber to the remaining homes and businesses that lack a fiber connection in the Twin Lakes service area. “All projects are important, but this one has a special place in our hearts,” he said. “That’s the last area in our cooperative footprint that is not fiber to the home.”
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.
