Tennessee Broadband Association Hosts Day on the Hill

Member companies discuss rural broadband needs with local legislators

NASHVILLE, Tennessee — The Tennessee Broadband Association hosted its annual Day on the Hill on Wednesday, meeting with several legislators in Nashville to discuss rural broadband needs and connecting every Tennessean to fast, reliable internet. This year is the first time Day on the Hill has taken place since the event was canceled the last two years due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and a tornado outbreak affected the area.

The event began with breakfast where several legislative leaders met with TNBA leaders and answered questions and shared stories of broadband needs for those in rural parts of the state.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Speaker Cameron Sexton, Rep. Kevin Vaughan, Rep. Clark Boyd and Rep. William Lamberth met with the entire TNBA group to discuss key initiatives affecting rural broadband residents and businesses. Sen. Paul Bailey, Research Analyst Brandy Foust, and Brandon Stover, Taylre Beaty and Emily You from the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development stopped by during the TNBA board lunch.

“The Day on the Hill is such a special event,” TNBA Government Affairs Director Levoy Knowles said. “This is an opportunity for us to sit down with our legislators in a group setting and one on one to discuss our rural broadband needs and how access to fast, reliable internet will positively change the lives of all Tennesseans.”

Rep. Clay Doggett, Rep. Kelly Keisling, Speaker Pro Tem Ferrell Haile, Sen. Rusty Crowe, Rep. Paul Sherrell, Sen. Mark Pody, Speaker Pro Tem Pat Marsh, Rep. Tandy Darby, Rep. Ron Travis, Sen. Ken

Yager, Sen. John Stevens, Rep. John Mark Windle, Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver and Rep. Rush Bricken were all in attendance and met with TNBA leaders one on one.

“Everyone has their eyes on Tennessee and how we are delivering reliable broadband to our residents and business owners,” Knowles said. “As they say, it takes a village, and we could not do it without the support of these legislators, the TNECD and our members. Their support is vital to connecting all Tennesseans.”