Sevier County staff outline multi-year plan to expand rural broadband; census tract mapping and provider talks cited as hurdles

Sevier County officials provided an update Sept. 18 on efforts to expand broadband in rural parts of the county, describing a multi-year effort that will rely on provider participation and state and federal grant funding.

Director of Grants and Special Projects Andrew Temple told commissioners staff are in talks with area providers including Comcast, Charter and AT&T and are preparing the coverage and cost data required to apply for grants tied to a federally originated "middle mile" project being routed through the state. Temple said the process "will take a couple of years" and that staff expect to have a more detailed timeline the following week.

Temple also described a data-definition issue with federal mapping that affects eligibility for some funding: "There is an ongoing fight with the FCC that the current census tract code marks an area with internet access if one household has access when it’s not the majority at large," he said. Temple added that Sevier County Electric System is "off the table" as a provider at this time.

Mayor Larry Waters said county staff are meeting with providers to confirm coverage areas and gather the information needed for grant applications.

Why it matters: Accurate coverage mapping and provider commitments are commonly required for state and federal broadband grants. Temple’s description of mapping and provider challenges indicates the county must both gather robust coverage/cost data and resolve mapping eligibility concerns before seeking funds.

Next steps: Staff will continue provider negotiations, finalize cost and coverage data, and follow the state's process for the middle-mile project; Temple said an updated timeline would be available after the following week.