United Communications has been awarded a $17 Million grant from the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund to expand broadband access in Maury County to an estimated 4,000 new locations, including homes and small businesses.
Project UNITE was launched by United Communications in early 2022 with the goal of providing high-speed internet to every unserved home or business in Middle Tennessee. In February, Maury Alliance was asked to assist the County in their efforts to apply for the funding by requesting letters of support from residents to display the need for internet access in Maury County. To provide further assistance during the process, Maury Alliance invited those in underserved areas to submit their address on the Accessibility Map provided by TNECD to spread awareness and provide input in May. These combined efforts resulted in Maury County receiving the largest grant allowing an estimated 4,000 locations to receive broadband expansions and upgrades. This is especially important for students, remote-workers, and public safety.
CLICK HERE to see if your address will be impacted by the grant. If you’re in the blue, you will receive access to high-speed internet.
“Having access to reliable, high-speed, internet is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity to create the jobs and future workforce we all desire. While we are thrilled as an organization to have been able to assist in the effort to secure these funds, we want to be sure to recognize the County elected officials, County staff, and private citizens that truly spearheaded this effort.” Wil Evans – President, Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance.
The total grant funds received by United Communications totals $53.4 Million and will allow 8 counties in Middle Tennessee to receive broadband expansions and upgrades:
- Bedford
- Franklin
- Giles
- Lincoln
- Marshall
- Maury
- Moore
- Williamson
Additional Project UNITE partners include Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation, and Duck River Electric Membership Corporation.