Credit fiber optic cable for bringing broadband speed internet service to rural areas of Tennessee such as Chapel Hill, Gainesboro, Mt. Juliet, McMinnville, Lafayette, Sparta and Livingston. Others are waiting but at the rate providers are going, they won’t be waiting long.
The Tennessean reported that while 137,000 rural communities in the state have the privilege of high-speed internet via fiber optic networks, there are still miles of cable to go. The Tennessee Telecommunications Association, comprised of 21 local companies, is looking to bring more fiber optic technology to more rural communities in Tennessee.
More than 12,500 total miles of fiber are being installed yearly, with hundreds more planned for the future. The Association currently provides broadband connectivity to 98.3 percent of its customer base, thanks to both copper and fiber optic. The Association has 116,000 broadband customers served by local telecom companies. Additionally, association members “provide broadband to more than 173 schools and 285 cellular towers” along with hospitals, libraries, banks and more.
The Tennessean cited Value Pet Supplies, an internet retailer in Livingston, as an example of a business that is receiving better internet access thanks to the Association. After outgrowing its location, Value Pet Supplies moved to Overton County and needed a better broadband solution. Twin Lakes contacted the company when its gigabit service became available in 2013.
“I appreciate how much support we have received from Twin Lakes and their efforts to work with Value Pet Supplies,” said Tom Piech, senior consultant for Value Pet Supplies. “When we needed assistance, everyone at Twin Lakes lined up to help. High speed internet is not just necessary for Value Pet Supplies, it is necessary for the growth of our local economy. A partnership with Twin Lakes provides that.”
December 6, 2016
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