Tennessee to distribute additional $813M to broadband providers in effort to expand rural access

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development / A map shows access to broadband in Tennessee. The state is receiving $813 million in federal funds to expand internet access in rural areas. Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development / A map shows access to broadband in Tennessee. The state is receiving $813 million in federal funds to expand internet access in rural areas.

By Anita Wadhwani / Tennessee Lookout August 23, 2024 1 min read

Tennessee is set to receive $813 million in federal funds to expand high-speed broadband internet into rural communities.

The funds were approved by the U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration as part of a national effort to extend broadband to underserved communities throughout the United States.

The funding will be distributed in the form of grants to companies already authorized to provide broadband in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said.

The state plans to open the program for applications in November.