United’s CEO William Bradford featured on “Lead Tennessee Radio”
Chapel Hill, Tenn. – June 4, 2020 – Increased demand for broadband boosts expansion projects, according to William Bradford, CEO of United Communications. William was a recent guest on the podcast “Lead Tennessee Radio;” the show is produced by the Tennessee Broadband Association.
Bradford discussed the recent health pandemic and its impact on businesses, as well as the importance of fiber projects to jump-start the economy in rural Tennessee. United’s focus on expanding its fiber network is validated by a 30% increase in internet traffic since the COVID-19 pandemic began, with a record number of people requesting service.
“The need for upload speeds has become more important, and only fiber can provide the speeds for someone to be productive working from home,” Bradford said.
You can hear the full podcast at: TNBA Podcast
In the TNBA podcast episode, Bradford said United will likely invest more than $50 million over the next few years to expand fiber technology in rural Tennessee. The Chapel Hill-based telecommunications company has already invested more than $90 million in fiber for Middle Tennessee. Bradford also discussed stimulating the economy with internet infrastructure projects and the importance of partnerships to get broadband projects completed efficiently.
United Communications was recently awarded a $1.3 million broadband accessibility grant to expand fiber around the Eagleville area in Rutherford and Williamson counties. United has partnered with Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Cooperative to extend broadband to more residents and businesses in underserved areas in Middle Tennessee.
The “Lead Tennessee Radio” podcast is an opportunity to discuss issues facing Tennessee with state leaders and lawmakers. The Tennessee Broadband Association is comprised of independent and cooperatively owned companies that connect almost 30 percent of the state with broadband and related services. Together these companies are investing millions of dollars to connect rural Tennesseans with fiber networks.