Tennessee Approves $400M for Broadband Expansion

Weakley and Henry counties among 72 to receive funding for universal broadband access by 2028.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The state of Tennessee has approved over $400 million in federal funding to expand broadband internet access to all 95 counties in the state. The funding will go towards projects by Kentucky Rural Telephone Cooperative and Milan Public Utilities Authority to connect around 43,000 residents in Weakley, Henry, and Gibson counties to high-speed internet by 2028.

Why it matters

Lack of broadband access has been a longstanding issue in many rural parts of Tennessee, hindering economic development and quality of life. This major investment aims to finally bring universal high-speed internet to all Tennesseans, positioning the state to better compete in the modern digital economy.

The details

The $400 million in funding will support broadband expansion projects by two local providers - Kentucky Rural Telephone Cooperative will receive $3.6 million to serve Weakley and Henry counties, while Milan Public Utilities Authority will get nearly $2.7 million to connect parts of Gibson County. These investments are expected to bring high-speed internet access to around 43,000 previously unserved residents across the three counties.

  • The funding was approved by Governor Bill Lee in March 2026.
  • The broadband expansion projects are slated for completion by 2028.

The players

Governor Bill Lee

The current Governor of Tennessee who approved the $400 million in federal funding for broadband expansion across the state.

Kentucky Rural Telephone Cooperative

A local telecommunications cooperative that will receive $3.6 million to expand broadband access in Weakley and Henry counties.

Milan Public Utilities Authority

A municipal utility that will get nearly $2.7 million to bring broadband to parts of Gibson County.

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What’s next

The broadband expansion projects are expected to be completed by 2028, bringing high-speed internet access to all 95 counties in Tennessee.

The takeaway

This major investment in broadband infrastructure is a critical step towards ensuring all Tennesseans, regardless of where they live, have access to the high-speed internet needed to participate in the modern digital economy and access essential online services.