The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ReConnect Program recently announced its investment of $9 million for high-speed broadband infrastructure projects in Tennessee. United Communications received $3.3 million to be used in the rural Williamson and Wilson counties.
Middle Tennessee Electric’s partnership with United helps to match the $3.3 million grant to help bring fiber service to approximately 1,154 homes, businesses and farms with inadequate or no broadband in remote areas.
“We celebrate another huge step in executing on our mission of enriching our communities and the lives of our neighbors through reliable connections and passionate service,” said William Bradford, United Communications president and CEO.
The USDA’s ReConnect Program offers unique federal financing and funding options in the form of loans, grants and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America that don’t currently have sufficient access to broadband.
“This is a perfect example of Middle Tennessee Electric and United Communications partnering to better serve their rural members and make their lives better,” said Gloria O’Steen, an MTE board member representing Williamson County.
From left, United Communications’ William Bradford, USDA’s Rural Development Tennessee State Director Jim Tracy and MTE’s Chris Jones are among many local government and community leaders present for the announcement.
