TDS kicks off construction on Monroe County, Tennessee fiber project

Approximately 3,000 addresses will gain up to 8 Gig speeds as part of Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund grant

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) has started construction on its fiber project that will deliver up to 8 Gig symmetrical internet to about 3,000 locations in the company’s footprint in Monroe County, Tennessee. Residents and businesses in Ball Play, Coker Creek, and Tellico Plains will benefit from the new state-of-the-art connections.

“Fiber-optic networks are more than an upgrade, they’re a huge leap forward,” said TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Drew Petersen. “With unparalleled speed, reliability, and bandwidth, fiber is the technology of the future. It delivers a fantastic online experience whether you want to stream, collaborate, learn, game, or use smart devices.”

This project is funded in part under a grant contract with the state of Tennessee. TDS was awarded a multi-million-dollar grant by the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund—American Rescue Plan to expand access to faster connections to help offset project costs. TDS’ original plans specified it would deliver up to 1 Gig symmetrical internet, but the company is now moving forward with infrastructure to deliver up to 8 Gig speeds.

The build process includes accessing public utility easement areas to bury conduit and fiber-optic cable, as well as upgrading aerial cables. Construction work has started in Coker Creek, and then activity will move to Tellico Plains, followed by Ball Play as the project progresses. TDS services will launch to customers in phases as sections of the network are completed. The first customers are expected to gain access to faster speeds around the end of the year.

“The power of fiber internet is that it transforms how we live and work,” says Petersen. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with the state on this important project and look forward to customers experiencing the difference these connections make.”

All TDS fiber internet products are symmetrical, meaning the upload and download speeds are identical. A variety of speeds will be available for residents and businesses starting at 300 Mbps and up to 8 Gig. Businesses will gain the option of a 10 Gig dedicated connection with a service level agreement. TDS offers a low-cost product called TDS Connect that includes 200Mbps/200Mbps for qualifying customers.

Residents and businesses interested in learning more about TDS products can visit TDSFiber.com.

 

 

Media Contact: Missy Kellor | Manager - Communications | TDS Telecom | 608-664-4836 | missy.kellor@tdstelecom.com

TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS Telecom/TDS®) delivers high-speed internet, TV entertainment, and phone services to a mix of small to mid-sized urban, suburban and rural communities throughout the U.S. With 1.1 million connections, TDS’ mission is to create a better world through its communications services. Powered by fiber-optics and new industry-leading technologies, TDS delivers up to 8 Gigabit internet speeds and offers internet-protocol based TV entertainment solutions along with traditional phone services. TDS also offers businesses VoIP advanced communications solutions, dedicated internet service, and data networking services. Visit tdstelecom.com.

TDS Telecom, headquartered in Madison, Wis., employs 3,300 people and is a subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. [NYSE: TDS]. Founded in 1969, Telephone and Data Systems provides wireless, broadband, video and voice services to approximately 5 million connections nationwide through its businesses: UScellular and TDS Telecom. Visit tdsinc.com.

Search Newsroom

Filter search results:

Not finding what you're looking for?

Visit our support site for FAQs, how-tos, and other useful resources.