TENNESSEE, USA — Broadband accessibility has been an issue commonly discussed by lawmakers in Tennessee. In November 2021, the state even received $65 million in federal funds to improve broadband access.
On Monday, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development said a digital map showing areas where people may not have a reliable connection to the internet is open for public comment The map includes filters for different kinds of internet connections available across the state.
Generally, it displays areas where people can access the internet with speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloads, and around 20 Mbps for uploads in green. Areas in red are where people may not have internet access at those speeds.
A significant part of West Tennessee is covered in red, while some areas of East Tennessee also lack reliable access to the internet. It shows that some areas of Oak Ridge don't have reliable internet access, and neither do some areas of Cumberland County and Campbell County.
According to the map, many areas of Jefferson, Sevier, Grainger and Cocke counties also do not have reliable internet access.
Users can search different addresses to see the kinds of internet access available there. It also helps users see how many different internet providers are available in a region.
The department urged providers, local leaders and community members to give input about the map online.
“Our state map will play an important role in helping our team make informed decisions about where to invest broadband funding, both for infrastructure and adoption programs,” said Taylre Beaty. the TNECD Broadband Director.