Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced Tennessee will be one of eight states included in a new National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) project to expand and update the National Broadband Map.

As the Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Communications & Technology, Blackburn led the effort to fund this project at NTIA as part of her ongoing efforts to improve broadband availability for rural communities across the country.

“Closing Tennessee’s digital divide is absolutely imperative,” said Senator Blackburn, “In order to do this, we must have the most accurate information possible. Tennessee’s inclusion in this exciting new pilot project will give us a clear and complete picture of broadband availability in our state. With this new data, we can continue to work to ensure that underserved rural communities in Tennessee can access the broadband service they need.” 

Background:

According to the FCC’s 2018 broadband deployment report, 23% of rural Tennesseans lack access to high speed internet.

Senator Blackburn serves on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.