News Summary
KUB Fiber has launched high-speed internet for all customers in Union County, supported by a $6.5 million grant from the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund. This rollout brings significant improvements in connectivity, especially for rural residents, and includes a commitment to enhancing electric reliability and closing the digital divide. Free public Wi-Fi will also be available at local parks and markets, benefiting the community. Union County is halfway through the fiber network construction, with plans for further expansion underway.
Exciting News for Knoxville: High-Speed Internet Now Available!
Knoxville, get ready to experience a new level of connectivity! KUB Fiber has officially made high-speed internet accessible to all Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) customers in Union County. This launch is a huge step forward for the fiber expansion project and a game-changer for many residents in the area.
Support from the Heart of Tennessee
The acceleration of KUB Fiber’s rollout is thanks in part to the generous support from the State of Tennessee. The Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund provided a whopping $6.5 million grant via the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. To make the internet service even more robust, an extra $1 million was donated by Union County. This partnership is paving the way for a digital landscape that promises to improve life for everyone in the county.
A Lifeline for Rural Customers
For many residents of rural areas in Union County, KUB Fiber is not just another internet provider; it’s a lifeline. It represents the very first high-speed fiber internet service available to them. In an age where reliable internet is essential for everything from work to school to entertainment, this rollout could not have come at a better time.
Making Connections Matter
The new fiber technology is not only about internet speed; it’s also set to enhance electric reliability for all KUB customers. That’s right! With this new infrastructure in place, customers can look forward to a more stable and dependable energy supply. But that’s not all. KUB Fiber is dedicated to closing the digital divide in underserved communities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to connect online.
Free Public Wi-Fi for Everyone!
As part of the initiative, KUB Fiber is rolling out free public Wi-Fi at popular locations like Wilson Park, located just east of Union County High School, and the Farmers Market located to the west of the school. This access is designed to benefit everyone in the community, providing a place where folks can get online without any hassle.
Word from Local Leaders
Union County Mayor Jason Bailey has been an ardent supporter of KUB Fiber, underscoring how crucial internet access is to residents. The new service is expected to make a significant impact, opening doors for work, education, and overall quality of life improvements in the bustling county. With this fiber rollout, the future looks bright!
Progress and Future Plans
As KUB Fiber continues its ambitious rollout, they’ve made remarkable strides. The organization is currently halfway through its system-wide fiber network construction, with approximately 84,000 residential and business customers across the KUB service area already enjoying high-speed internet access. But they’re not stopping here! Planning for the third and final phase of construction is set to begin in 2026, promising even wider coverage and services in the months and years ahead. Areas like Grainger County have already seen their fiber buildout completed, with construction on the horizon for Sevier and Jefferson Counties.
Stay Tuned for More!
If you’re eager to know more about KUB Fiber and whether it’s available in your area, don’t hesitate to check out www.kub.org/fiber. With such significant advancements in internet service access, it’s an exciting time to be in Knoxville. Who knows? The next generation of connectivity is just around the corner!
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: KUB Internet in Union County
- WATE: Union County Leaders Celebrate KUB Fiber
- CNET: Best Internet Providers in Knoxville, TN
- Knox News: KUB Program for Free Internet for Students
- WBIR: KUB Connected Program
