Erin, Tennessee (July 13, 2023) – TEC, a leading rural broadband provider, has made significant progress on a three-phase construction project that will expand high-speed broadband access within Benton, Henry, and Carroll counties. Construction has recently completed on the first phase in Benton County, with the ability to connect over 400 homes and businesses. Construction has recently begun on the second phase of the project in Henry County, which will extend coverage to nearly 700 additional locations. The third phase of construction will follow in Carroll County providing access to nearly 300 more locations. Once all phases are complete, Gigabit-speed coverage will be extended by an estimated 104 miles, connecting more than 1,300 additional customers in the area. This major improvement in broadband capability is funded through a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
TEC’s goal is to bridge the digital divide by providing a reliable, high-speed internet option that positively impacts the communities it serves. With Fast Fiber Internet from TEC, residents can take advantage of convenient work-from-home opportunities, digital learning, appointments with physicians via telemedicine, and video streaming services.
“Henry County is proud to partner with TEC to provide rural broadband opportunities to the southern part of the county,” says John Penn Ridgeway, Henry County Mayor. “The investment will have far reaching opportunities for both educational and business services in the Henry and Mansfield areas of Henry County.”
"For over a century, fostering greater connection among communities has been our mission at TEC," says Joey Garner, the company's CEO. "We are thrilled to play a part in this huge step forward for the businesses and residents in these counties."
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The completed project will construct approximately 104 miles of fiber infrastructure and will be able to connect over 1,300 customers to Fast Fiber Internet, providing symmetrical Gigabit speeds, home security, and phone services to portions of Benton, Henry, and Carroll counties. This level of connection gives the best online experience for streamers, gamers, social media users, and families with multiple users at home. To sign up for service, visit www.TEC.com/SignUp to complete a short form. This project is funded under a grant contract with the State of Tennessee.
ABOUT TEC
TEC provides economic stability to its local service areas, employing 200 people across Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. TEC has invested in and currently maintains approximately 2,000 miles of fiber in its rural markets. For a century, TEC has been a forerunner in providing telecommunications services to rural America and was the first to bring internet options to many rural markets more than 20 years ago. For more information, visit www.TEC.com or via social media under the handle, @TECconnects.