State officials announce $202M in BEAD program funding

State officials have announced the approval of $202 million in state-administered federal fundings to expand broadband access throughout Tennessee. The $202 million in federal funds for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program will be matched by $200 million in matching funds by grantees create a $402 million in broadband investment. The projects align with the state’s broader strategy to expand high-speed internet and ensure long-term connectivity for all Tennesseans. The ultimate goal of the project is to ensure all Tennesseans have access to reliable, high-speed broadband by 2028. Tennessee’s BEAD-funded projects have an anticipated completion date of December 2028. The state broadband accessibility map can be utilized as a resource to search locations, addresses, and the internet service provider that was awarded in the area.