More broadband programs coming to Wilson County

Abbey Nutter, The Lebanon Democrat, Tenn.
·2 min read

Jul. 6—Broadband and digital programs in Wilson County are expanding thanks to $500,000 in grant funding.

"It's a great thing that we have the opportunity to expand broadband, which is very much needed in our community today with the way the world has changed over the past few years," Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto said.

State Representatives Clark Boyd, R-Lebanon, Susan Lynn, R-Mount Juliet, and Michael Hale, R-Smithville, announced the funding in a press release on Tuesday.

According to the release, the two grants are a part of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) funding totaling $162.7 million. Wilson County received $100,000 in grant funding for the Broadband Ready Communities (BRC) program, which will support community-based digital skills training, marketing for low-cost internet plans, public Wi-Fi projects and distribution of free or low-cost devices.

"Digital skills training is essential as more things in our daily lives move online," Hale said in the press release. "These programs will ensure residents have the ability to learn necessary skills and potentially use them to secure a higher paying job."

The Greater Nashville Regional Council received $404,893 to offer training and education programs in Wilson and 12 other counties through the Digital Skills, Education and Workforce (DSEW) program.

"These programs will provide our community with a wonderful opportunity to expand their digital skills, and further their education," Lynn said in a press release. "I can't wait to see how these programs positively impact Wilson County."

The press release stated that grantees will be investing around $48 million in matching funds and will complete their projects by the end of 2026.

"We're definitely excited about the partnership and excited about getting our share of those funds from the state, as we have 94 other counties to share that with as well," Hutto said.

Expanding access to broadband internet was already an ongoing goal in Wilson County through Project Unite, a partnership between Middle Tennessee Electric and United Communications with a goal of bringing high-speed internet access to under-connected areas across Middle Tennessee.

Another project expected to bring more widespread broadband access to Wilson County is funded through previously received American Rescue Plan funding from the federal government, $800,000 of which went to DTC Communications to expand the broadband access.

"Back when 2020 came, the internet became so valuable, not only for our students that were out of school at the time, but also for the employees that were having to learn to work from home," Hutto said. "It became a necessity like lights and water and electricity."