The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the importance of broadband in facilitating participation in telemedicine, distance learning, telecommuting and e-commerce. Reliable, affordable broadband service is necessary to meet these needs in Tennessee’s communities.
In August of 2020, Governor Lee and the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group dedicated $61 million to broadband expansion projects. The Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund utilizes a portion of the State’s federal aid known as the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) to enhance broadband infrastructure and access to individuals and families affected during the COVID-19 pandemic by the lack of broadband access in their area.