FCC Promotes Rural Broadband Expansion to 1,508 Homes in Hancock and Hawkins County

Statement

Today, Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission announced two grants totaling $4,312,977 that will enable rural broadband expansion for 10 years covering 1,508 homes in Hancock and Hawkins County:

"Access to broadband is one of the critical factors that enables economic growth and job creation today. Technology over high-speed internet has also opened up opportunities for people who live in rural areas to work, receive education and access healthcare. I am pleased to see this investment in Hancock and Hawkins Counties, and I will continue to support initiatives that ensure East Tennesseans in every community have access to the 21st Century economy through high-speed internet and technological advancement."

Note: Congressman Roe supported the FY 2019 Consolidated Appropriations Act, that appropriated $339 million to the Federal Communications Commission.

The following amounts were awarded to each county:

Hancock County - $3,235,285 for 1,101 locations
Hawkins County - $1,077,712 for 407 locations

Source