United Communications says county partnership helped deliver fiber to rural Williamson County
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Summary
United Communications told commissioners it invested more than $60 million in Williamson County broadband, partly leveraging ARPA and state grants, and announced the county is now an '8‑gig certified community.'
A private Internet provider told the Williamson County Commission on Jan. 12 that a multi‑year partnership with county government and Middle Tennessee Electric has materially increased fiber broadband access across the county.
William Bradford, CEO of United Communications, summarized the company’s local investments and said United has invested over $60 million in Williamson County fiber infrastructure alone. Bradford credited county support, ARPA funding and state grants for enabling a rural‑first rollout that targeted areas of highest need; he also said United helped secure more than $100 million in federal and state grants for the region and that volunteer fire departments receive free 8‑gig service when United serves an area.
Officials showed maps indicating rural coverage gaps were closed first, with subsequent expansion into Franklin and Brentwood. Bradford described the designation of Williamson County as an "8‑gig certified community," and emphasized local customer service and continued partnership with county leaders.
Commissioners thanked United and Middle Tennessee Electric for the deployment and asked about community benefits; Commissioner Tom Tunnicliffe highlighted the free 8‑gig service to volunteer fire departments, and Mayor Anderson acknowledged the earlier risk taken by Middle Tennessee Electric in advancing fiber projects.
The briefing concluded with commissioners offering appreciation and no further action requested.
