#United States #Tennessee #Brightspeed #fiber internet

Brightspeed Fiber Network Nears Completion in Tennessee

Brightspeed, the third-largest fiber broadband provider in the United States, has recently announced a significant milestone in its fiber network expansion in Tennessee. The company has achieved a remarkable 90% completion rate, which translates to nearly 180,000 families and businesses in the state now gaining access to high-speed internet, establishing Brightspeed as a pivotal player in enhancing connectivity across the region.

The fiber network build has been completed in a range of communities including Butler, Elizabethton, Erwin, Greenville, Hampton, Midway, Mosheim, Mountain City, New Tazewell, Ooltewah, Roan Mountain, Stoney Creek, and Sullivan Gardens. Brightspeed has also fully deployed its network in Unicoi County, making fiber internet available to around 6,800 locations in that area.

Amanda Delp, the executive director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce, expressed enthusiasm about the completion of this network, highlighting the economic opportunities that reliable, high-speed connectivity will offer to local businesses and residents. She stated, "Expanded access to reliable, high-speed connectivity strengthens our ability to support economic growth, empower small business and create new opportunities for our residents. We're excited to see how this investment enhances our community today and helps position Unicoi County for continued success."

As construction has concluded in several locations, Brightspeed is now focusing on outreach efforts to assist residents and businesses in getting connected to its network. Company representatives are actively going door-to-door in various communities such as Butler, Churchill, Elizabethton, Erwin, Johnson City, Kingsport, Mountain City, New Tazewell, Ooltewah, Piney Flats, and Roan Mountain. They are equipped with Brightspeed-branded apparel and are informing residents about the options for fiber service availability.

The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing access to fast, affordable, and dependable internet in areas that historically lacked quality connectivity. Tshacha Romeo, the director of the sales channel at Brightspeed, emphasized the transformative potential of this expansion, noting that it is about more than just infrastructure; it is about fostering growth, education, and connections within the community.

To support this extensive expansion, Brightspeed has obtained funding from both private investments and public partnerships. The state of Tennessee has awarded Brightspeed over $14 million as part of the federal Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, enhancing its private investment to extend fiber connectivity to an additional 2,757 locations. Furthermore, under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Brightspeed has secured nearly $7 million to provide access for 2,812 Tennesseans who otherwise do not have high-speed internet.

Once the construction phase is finalized, Brightspeed aims to have its fiber internet service accessible to more than 200,000 homes and businesses throughout Tennessee. This effort underscores the company’s commitment to ensuring that communities remain competitive in today’s digital economy.

Residents curious about service availability or interested in exploring internet plans can do so via their official website, Brightspeed.

In summary, Brightspeed's ongoing investment in Tennessee aims to leave no community behind, enhancing opportunities for all residents to thrive in a digitally connected world. With their proactive approach and community engagement, Brightspeed is set to create a lasting impact that will benefit Tennessee for years to come.