Building Stronger Communities: From Blueprint to Broadband with United Communications

By: Greg Maes, Director of Planning and Engineering 

These days, broadband internet isn’t just nice to have—it’s a must-have. At United Communications, we believe everyone in Middle Tennessee should have access to high-speed, reliable internet. That’s why we launched our Project UNITE initiative — to offer fiber or wireless internet to every unserved home or business in Middle Tennessee. Every day, our team is committed to making that a reality by bridging the digital divide.  

We also believe that our approach to expanding our network starts with listening to the specific needs of each community we serve. 

As a local internet provider, we’re committed to building connections that matter. Every step of our construction process involves working hand-in-hand with community leaders and residents to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

How United Plans and Builds Broadband Internet Infrastructure

Here’s a closer look at the steps we take to plan and implement broadband services, ensuring every project we take on fits the unique needs of the people we serve:

Step 1: Collaborating with Community Stakeholders

We want to do more than build networks—we aim to create lasting community partnerships based on trust and transparency. That’s why our process begins with open conversations between our team and local stakeholders, including government officials, local leaders, residents, and business owners. 

During these discussions, we host informational sessions to share plans, answer questions, and gather feedback. These meetings help us understand the challenges and needs of the people who will rely on our service. By working together from the very beginning, we can design solutions that truly benefit everyone in the community.

Step 2: Assessing Community Needs and Infrastructure

After our initial conversations, we dive deeper to evaluate the specific needs and conditions of the area. This step ensures that our plans reflect the realities on the ground:

1. Surveying Infrastructure: We look at what’s already in place to spot gaps and opportunities. This allows us to build on existing infrastructure rather than starting from scratch, speeding up delivery.
2. Addressing Challenges: We listen carefully to concerns about affordability, accessibility, and reliability. Your feedback helps us create a plan that makes high-quality service both attainable and sustainable.

One of the unique benefits we offer is our partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric. As a subsidiary, we have the opportunity to leverage much of their existing infrastructure, through innovations like Stealth Fiber, which helps us reduce project timelines and costs. 

Step 3: Designing the Network with Precision Using GIS Technology

With a clear understanding of the community’s needs, we move into planning and design. Our team uses advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to make smart, data-based decisions that benefit residents now and in the future.

1. Seeing the Big Picture with Data Visualization: GIS allows us to map the community’s layout, including population density, current infrastructure, and areas with poor service. This helps us target the neighborhoods that need service most.
2. Choosing the Right Locations with Site Suitability Analysis: We use GIS to determine the best places to install key equipment like fiber nodes. By factoring in things like terrain, utilities, and where people live, we ensure that the network provides excellent coverage without unnecessary costs or disruptions.
3. Saving Time and Money with Smart Cost Planning: Mapping the most efficient installation routes helps us keep costs low and reduce construction time, meaning less disruption for you and your neighbors.
4. Planning for Every Possibility: With GIS, we can test different design scenarios to find the one that works best for your community. This way, we’re ready to solve problems before they even arise, ensuring a smooth implementation.
5. Building for Today and Tomorrow: We plan for current needs while also considering future growth. By analyzing demographic trends, we design networks that will continue to serve the community well into the future.

Step 4: Managing Construction with Care

We aim to stay out of your way as much as possible while still delivering a high-quality fiber network that meets your needs. During construction, we make every effort to minimize disruptions to residents’ daily routines. In certain instances, we’re able to implement Stealth Fiber—a unique approach that allows us to integrate fiber without major disruptions to roads or public spaces. This means faster, less intrusive construction with minimal impact on daily life.

Additionally, our project managers coordinate closely with local leaders to keep the community informed about timelines and activities. 

Bringing It All Together: A Commitment to Lasting Connections

Building broadband networks also means building relationships with the people we serve. We’re here to support you every step of the way, from the first consultation to the final installation and beyond. Our local customer service team is always ready to help with personalized support that larger providers just can’t offer.

Whether it’s for education, business, or staying connected with loved ones, high-speed internet has become a lifeline for all of us. At United, we’re proud to bring that lifeline to the communities that need it most. 

Curious about our expansion efforts? Follow along with us as we bring high-speed internet to more communities across Middle Tennessee! 

Ready to find the perfect internet plan for you? Check out our options today!

Author Bio: 

Greg Maes, Director of Planning and Engineering 

Greg Maes brings 20 years of experience in engineering and construction in the telecommunications industry to his role with United Communications. As Director of Planning and Engineering, Greg’s primary focus is to empower his team at United to work collaboratively toward the company’s long-term goals. His passion and commitment to doing the right thing for United’s customers and communities make a real impact on the company’s success. A University of Florida alumni, Greg says his family and faith keep him grounded and serve as his motivation for striving to be better each day.