BRADFORD, Tenn. (May 24, 2021) – The McLemoresville and Buena Vista communities can now begin enjoying the benefits of TEC’s fiber-optic broadband network. Construction of a new expansion project was recently completed and installations for Fast Fiber Internet are underway. The $1,837,061 project is being funded by TEC who will contribute $1,010,384 with the remaining $826,677 coming from a grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
“We are excited to have TEC expanding broadband service to our residents,” said Brad Hurley, Carroll County Chamber President. “The Covid pandemic pointed out the necessity of broadband service for education, healthcare, and business functions.”
TEC’s goal is to minimize the broadband access gap by providing a reliable, affordable internet option and to positively impact communities in which it serves. Fast Fiber Internet allows more opportunity for virtual doctor visits and distance education allowing students to complete assignments without having to leave their home. Newly gained access also creates a significant benefit within the local business community creating internal efficiencies and giving local businesses more opportunities to compete on a larger scale. These benefits paired with the personal entertainment options that reliable internet provides like streaming videos or gaming, make this project is an important contribution to the continued growth of Carroll County.
In recognition of the vital public services provided by the McLemoresville Activity Center and the Public Safety Building in Huntingdon, TEC will donate laptops and provide 36 months of broadband internet access free of charge to support public access in these communities.
“This is an exciting day for Carroll County and TEC,” said TEC Executive Vice President, Joey Garner. “We are grateful for this opportunity to make these donations and to expand our high-speed service to the McLemoresville and Buena Vista communities. Access to reliable internet is now more important than ever and we look forward to continuing our efforts to expand reliable, affordable internet options to rural communities.”
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The project consists of 40 miles of fiber optic cable in total and connects over 281 residential and business customers to Fast Fiber Internet. The project will enable symmetrical Gigabit speeds which provides the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home. As part of the project, home phone services will also be available. If you are interested in signing up for service, go to www.TEC.com/SignUp to complete a quick form.