Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, in partnership with Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, has announced a $101.6 million investment in broadband and digital opportunity grants. This second round of funding aims to deliver last-mile broadband access and digital opportunity initiatives to more than 97,000 Tennesseans across 75 counties, including Moore and surrounding areas.
The funding represents a significant step forward in Tennessee’s ongoing commitment to expand broadband infrastructure and improve digital equity. With this latest allocation, TNECD has now committed a total of $683 million to broadband expansion. Additionally, the state has invested $132.6 million in digital opportunity initiatives, benefiting more than 700,000 Tennesseans and connecting over 280,000 residential and business locations.
Bridging the Digital Divide
“High-speed internet access is essential to all Tennesseans, and that’s why we continue making strategic investments in our state’s broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to create a pathway to education and skills training,” said Governor Lee during the announcement. “I thank the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for their continued efforts to manage these dollars effectively and expand opportunity.”
The grants aim to address the digital divide in both rural and underserved urban areas, where lack of reliable internet has long been a barrier to accessing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Commissioner McWhorter emphasized the importance of these investments, noting that they are a cornerstone of the state’s economic development strategy. “These grants not only bring broadband to areas that have been historically left behind but also empower communities by providing the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” McWhorter said.
Local Impact and Future Opportunities
Among the beneficiaries of this latest funding round are providers serving Moore County and other rural regions. These areas often face unique challenges in securing broadband connectivity due to geographic and financial constraints. With the new funding, local communities will gain access to high-speed internet that supports remote work, telemedicine, online learning, and small business growth.
State Representative Pat Marsh, whose district includes parts of southern Tennessee, praised the initiative. “This funding is a game-changer for our rural communities,” Marsh said. “It means better access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities for families who have been disconnected for too long.”
A Broader Vision
The state’s broadband expansion aligns with broader federal initiatives aimed at improving digital connectivity nationwide. Tennessee has leveraged funding from the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which complements the state’s efforts to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the state.
Digital opportunity initiatives funded under this program include skills training and digital literacy programs aimed at equipping Tennesseans with the tools to succeed in an increasingly online world. “We’re not just connecting homes and businesses; we’re building a digitally inclusive Tennessee where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy,” McWhorter added.
The Path Ahead
As Tennessee continues to roll out its broadband and digital opportunity programs, state officials remain optimistic about the transformative impact these investments will have on local communities. The funding underscores a long-term commitment to fostering economic growth, improving quality of life, and ensuring that no Tennessean is left behind in the digital age.
