TNECD announces that every Tennesseean will have internet access by 2028
The state's Broadband Office announced the approval of a proposal to invest $813 million in broadband expansion.
Just one month after the annual Digital Opportunities Summit in Chattanooga, which was fully based around how to get every single Tennesseean connected to the internet, the state has announced that funding has been approved to do so.
Tennessee received approval on its initial proposal for $813 million in funding through the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program.” That money will be allotted through grants over the next three years.
The state’s Broadband Office, which is located inside the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), had to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
“High-speed internet has become an essential part of daily life for all Tennesseans,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “This funding will allow us to make additional strategic investments to expand broadband infrastructure in rural areas and expand opportunity for success in education and the workplace.”
During Lee’s Administration, TNECD has invested over $715 million in state and federal broadband funding to bridge the digital divide in Tennessee. Prior to 2021, more than 20 percent of Tennessee lacked access to high-speed internet. Today, that total is less than five percent, according to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
“I am proud to take part in announcing another milestone in broadband funding for the state. We have made significant strides to expand high-speed internet under Gov. Lee’s leadership and receiving approval of our proposed $813 million in funding is a critical step in further expanding broadband service statewide, which will in turn ensure Tennesseans have better access to high-quality job training,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.
TNECD submitted its initial proposal in December 2023, and before submission, the department conducted listening sessions with internet service providers and community stakeholders statewide to ensure that industry and stakeholder feedback was included in the proposal. TNECD anticipates opening the grant round for BEAD funding in November, pending approval of TNECD’s challenge process results by NTIA.
Following the BEAD-funded grant round, TNECD is required to submit all proposed awards to NTIA for approval in the form of a final proposal. Once approved, TNECD will begin disbursing grant funding to awardees.
To learn more about Tennessee’s broadband initiatives or apply for these programs, please visit here.
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