Brightspeed launches state-of-the-art fiber internet service in Johnson City and Tri-Cities area

JOHNSON CITY – Brightspeed, the nation’s fourth-largest fiber broadband builder, reached a significant milestone today alongside local leaders from across the Tri-Cities area and Northeast Tennessee. The company, joined by state lawmakers, local dignitaries, community leaders, and Brightspeed employees, officially unveiled the state-of-the-art Brightspeed Fiber Internet service with a ribbon cutting at 3417 North Roan Street. This service is slated to become available to over 160,000 homes and small businesses in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Elizabethton, and neighboring Tennessee and Virginia communities upon completion of the company’s multi-year fiber network build.

Presently, more than 50,000 addresses in Tennessee and Virginia communities have access to the Brightspeed Fiber Internet network and gig-speed service. A breakdown of the number of homes and businesses in each community gaining access to this network upon the completion of the multi-year build is detailed below:

Heather McConnell, Brightspeed community affairs manager, emphasized the importance of connectivity in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. “In this era of rapid change, residents of the Tri-Cities and beyond need to be connected for education, healthcare, business, and more,” she said. “Our broadband connectivity and service will enable the communities we serve to flourish in today’s technology-driven world and empower residents to engage in the digital economy.”

With approximately one in ten Tennessee residents lacking access to an internet plan offering at least 25Mbps download and 3Mbps upload speeds, Brightspeed is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. The company aims to deploy next-generation fiber-optic technology to build a more reliable, super-fast broadband internet network, particularly in Tennessee, which ranks 17th in the nation for internet coverage, speed, and availability, according to BroadbandNow.

Kingsport Mayor Pat Shull highlighted the significance of high-speed internet access for communities like Kingsport, stating, “Ushering in Brightspeed’s high-speed internet is about more than just connecting people, it’s about equipping individuals and small businesses with the tools they need to compete and thrive in this highly connected and fast-paced world.”

In addition to investing in connectivity, Brightspeed is actively supporting local nonprofits, community athletics, and programs, including Connect Downtown Johnson City, Johnson City Doughboys, Science Hill Hilltoppers Baseball, Blue Plum Festival, and Family Promise of Greater Johnson City, which assists low-income and unhoused families in achieving sustainable independence.

Furthermore, Brightspeed was recently awarded a portion of a combined $162.7 million grant announced by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) to connect even more Tennesseans. The company plans to continue pursuing state and federal funding to supplement its ongoing fiber network build in Tennessee, aiming to bridge the digital divide across the state’s counties.

Residents may already notice Brightspeed trucks in their neighborhoods as crews work to bring families and businesses online. Safety remains a top priority for Brightspeed, which is committed to working quickly and efficiently within local communities during construction.

Customers can check for Brightspeed Fiber Internet availability in their area by visiting www.brightspeed.com/brightspeed-fiber-internet/ and signing up to receive alerts when service is available at their location. From installation to ongoing support, Brightspeed’s team is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for customers.

For more information, visit www.brightspeed.com .

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