'Google name brings excitement': Fast-speed internet options headed to Smyrna

Scott Broden, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal
·2 min read

SMYRNA — This fast-growing town's 53,000-plus residents will gain high-speed internet access to Google Fiber, officials announced Tuesday.

"Every person should have access to fast and affordable internet," said Ryun Jackson, manager of government and community affairs for the Google Fiber operation in Nashville.

Jackson and Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed signed a contract during the press conference event at Town Hall for Google Fiber to build underground internet access.

"The Google name brings excitement," said Reed, adding the arrangement provides choices to our citizens."

Smyrna has pursued other high-speed internet options, including $353,950 contract in 2019 for a government-owned fiber network from United Communications with broadband options.

Google Fiber should serve Smyrna customers by 2023

Google Fiber expects to start construction to build high quality, fast and "fairly priced internet" by the end of this year and offer services by 2023, said Jackson, adding that his company has great customer service.

Smyrna will be the first suburban community in Middle Tennessee to gain the Google Fiber service first offered in Nashville.

The faster internet option will enhance the quality of life, Smyrna Town Manager Brian Hercules said.

Those in the audience for the Google Fiber signing event included Patrick Cammack, senior vice president of economic development for the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

Cammack said the improved quality of life offered by more high-speed internet options from Google Fiber is also "critical for our businesses."

Although Google Fiber is coming to Smyrna, Comcast NBCUniversal spokeswoman Sara Jo Walker said Comcast remains committed to serving internet customers in the town, also offering fast internet speeds as well as low cost options.

Town will benefit from 'gigabit internet'

Google Fiber will be expanding services to a fast-growing Smyrna that's Tennessee's 13th most populated city, according to a press release from the local government.

The town also includes the Nissan automobile factory, the headquarters for Smyrna Ready Mix, and operations for Vijon, Taylor Farms, Corporate Flight Management and Franke.

Smyrna also has campuses for Motlow State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

"Our citizens, schools and corporations will all benefit from this new gigabit internet service," Mayor Reed said in the press release.

Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips and questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden.

Smyrna facts

  • Residents: Over 53,000

  • Ranking in population size among Tennessee cities: 13th

  • Location: southeast of Nashville in Middle Tennessee region

  • Notable employers: Nissan automobile factory, Smyrna Ready Mix headquarters and plant operations, Taylor Farms, Vijon, Franke, Corporate Flight Management

  • Higher education campuses: Motlow State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology

Source: Smyrna town government

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Google Fiber to bring high-speed internet services to Smyrna, TN