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Sevier County officials say providers are applying for federal funds to expand broadband to underserved areas
Summary
County staff reported work with Comcast, Charter and AT&T to apply for a federal Bid program to extend broadband; officials estimated a roughly three-year buildout if funded and cited an approximate 111 miles of coverage added last year.
County staff told the Sevier County Commission on March 18 that private internet providers are pursuing federal funding to expand service to underserved areas.
Andrew Temple reported that Comcast and Charter are in discussions with the mayor’s office about applying for the federal Bid program; AT&T was also identified as a prospective applicant. Temple said providers aim to use the program to install new broadband in underserved census blocks and estimated the full program would take about three years to complete if awarded.
Temple also said providers expanded roughly 111 miles of coverage within the county in the last year (approximation). Commissioner Mike Chambers asked what would happen if a company failed to meet the three-year completion requirement; Temple replied the contractor would be responsible for returning grant funds plus a 30% penalty. Separately, Matt Rudder provided construction updates on new solid-waste convenience centers, saying one project began March 4 and another is near completion.
The commission did not take a separate vote on broadband funding during the meeting; discussion focused on preparedness to apply for federal funds and on oversight provisions that would hold providers financially responsible if they fail to meet commitments.
