The grants will expand high-speed Internet service to 17,800 Tennesseans in 15 rural counties. Author: Jessica Brown (WBIR) Updated: 9:03 AM CST March 5, 2021 TENNESSEE, USA — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe announced $14.9 million in broadband accessibility grants will support and expand service to 17,800 Tennesseans in 15 rural counties. According to a release, this will impact 7,120 homes and businesses in Tennessee. “Every Tennessean should have access to the same high-speed broadband, no matter what zip code they live in,” said Gov. Lee. “Our continued investment in internet connectivity will help level the playing field for rural communities across our state, and I thank these 13 providers for partnering with us to help nearly 18,000 more Tennesseans get connected.”