Tennessee has $813M broadband expansion plan approved

(The Center Square) – Tennessee had its plan to spend $813 million in federal broadband funding approved and will begin the grant process in November.

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development submitted the plan for spending Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment funding, which will be used to bring high-speed broadband to areas of Tennessee for businesses and residents by 2028.

“High-speed internet has become an essential part of daily life for all Tennesseans,” Gov. Bill Lee said in a press release. “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.”

The funding is in addition to $713 million of federal and state funds spent on broadband in the state during Lee’s time as governor.

The state announced $162.7 million in broadband and digital grants awarded earlier this year.

A Beacon Poll from July showed that reliable high-speed broadband is available at home for 85% of those responding to the poll, with 71% saying that it was very or somewhat affordable and 28% saying it was very or somewhat unaffordable at home.

The biggest issue with broadband includes the cost of service for 37% of respondents, speed and reliability for 19%, availability for 10%, customer services for 6% and no issues for 24%.

Only 4% said that broadband access was not important for their household with 93% saying that it is important.TNECD submitted the proposal in December 2023 and has a list of eligible locations for broadband expansion on its website .