Cumberland Co. Provider Awarded Broadband Grant

Volunteer First Services of Cumberland County has received just under $2 million to expand broadband access in the county.

The grant funding comes from the fourth round of the state’s Broadband Accessibility Grant program. The company is one of 13 recipients that demonstrated a high need as well as the ability to implement and sustain the projects.

A match to the grant funding paid by Volunteer First Service is required by the state. According to Governor Bill Lee, the total $14.9 million awarded will expand service to support 17,800 unserved Tennesseans in 7,120 homes and businesses.

“Every Tennessean should have access to the same high-speed broadband, no matter what zip code they live in,” Lee said. “Our continued investment in internet connectivity will help level the playing field for rural communities across our state, and I thank these 13 providers for partnering with us to help nearly 18,000 more Tennesseans get connected.”