Howard County is one step closer to achieving broader high-speed internet coverage, thanks to five newly awarded state grants aimed at expanding broadband access across both urban and rural areas of the county.
Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton announced that nearly $1.05 million in grant funding** has been allocated to support this much-needed infrastructure project.
Pinkerton shared a breakdown of the grant recipients, starting with Premier Holdings, which will receive $749,000 to provide fiber internet to locations in Nashville and surrounding rural areas. Additionally, SWAT will receive $44,000 to extend their internet service to a few areas within the city of Nashville.
He went on to highlight that Windstream was awarded over $143,000 to expand fiber internet service to customers in Dierks. Two satellite internet providers, SpaceX and Amazon, received a combined $115,000 to serve more remote locations from Center Point northward in Howard County.
Judge Pinkerton noted that the next step is a one-week public comment period, during which citizens are encouraged to submit feedback or raise any concerns about the broadband expansion plan.
Pinkerton expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the project, saying the expansion will greatly benefit local families, schools, and businesses, helping to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities.