Work has been proposed to connect homes and businesses surrounding the University of the South with a world-class fiber network.
Fiber is the leading technology used to deliver advanced broadband service, supporting the fastest speeds and highest reliability. It enables gigabit connections, as much as 100 times faster than some commonly offered speeds.
Extending fiber to homes and businesses could begin as early as October 2019.
The project would be a partnership between entities with decades of esteemed service to the region. Duck River EMC, an electric cooperative serving portions of 16 counties, would construct the network and connect homes and businesses with fiber. Ben Lomand Connect, a telecommunications cooperative serving portions of 11 counties, would provide broadband and related services to residents and businesses. The University of the South is exploring a financial investment to aid in construction of the network.
Officials with the utilities say construction would take an estimated 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on weather and related factors.