When people think about internet service, they usually picture their home or office. But some of the best moments in our communities happen somewhere else: on mornings spent wandering the farmers’ market, afternoons exploring local shops, and evenings listening to live music in the square. And there are traditions like the Banana Split Festival in Petersburg every July, or the Franklin Christmas Parade that brings neighbors together for the holidays.
Today, those moments often include pulling up a digital map, finding a nearby restaurant, checking an event schedule, posting a family photo, or paying with your phone. Staying connected has become a crucial part of everyday life no matter where you are or what you’re doing.
At United Communications, we’ve spent decades connecting homes and businesses across Middle Tennessee with reliable fiber internet. And there’s one question that I’ve heard time and time again: How can we help people stay connected while they’re out enjoying the communities they love?
That’s what inspired our free public downtown Wi-Fi initiative.
Investing in More Than Internet
Before I joined United, I worked for a national telecommunications company. One of the first things I noticed after coming here was how often conversations centered around people and communities instead of simply adding customers.
That mindset is one of the reasons I enjoy working here.
Providing free public Wi-Fi isn’t something we have to do; it’s something we choose to do because we believe strong communities deserve reliable connectivity. When people can easily stay connected downtown, everyone benefits. Residents enjoy a better experience, visitors spend more time exploring, and businesses have more opportunities to welcome new customers.
For us, it’s another way to invest in the communities that have supported United for generations.
Helping People Stay Connected Where Life Happens
Public Wi-Fi may seem like a small convenience, but it makes a big difference during everyday moments.
Maybe you’re visiting Franklin for PumpkinFest and need directions to the next activity. Maybe you’re meeting friends for lunch and want to look up a nearby restaurant. Maybe you’re spending the afternoon shopping in downtown Shelbyville, and want to share a favorite find with your family.
Reliable Wi-Fi makes those experiences accessible to everyone and minimizes using cellular service data.
It also supports the growing number of people who work remotely. Someone can answer a few emails from a coffee shop, join a quick video meeting between errands, or finish up work before enjoying the rest of the afternoon downtown.
The goal isn’t simply to provide internet access: it’s to help people enjoy their communities without losing their digital connections.
Supporting Local Businesses Along the Way
Public Wi-Fi also creates new opportunities for the local businesses we love.
Visitors are more likely to stay longer when they can easily access maps, business websites, digital menus, and event information. They can discover nearby shops, share their experiences on social media, and recommend businesses to friends and family in real time.
During festivals, concerts, holiday celebrations, and farmers’ markets, reliable connectivity also helps vendors, organizers, and attendees communicate more efficiently throughout those events.
Those small moments add up. More time downtown often means more visits to restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and small businesses.
One Community at a Time
Our downtown Wi-Fi initiative has grown one community at a time.
In 2023, United launched its first free public Wi-Fi network in downtown Shelbyville. The following spring, we expanded into downtown Franklin in conjunction with the Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival.
One of my favorite stories came from Petersburg.
A business owner named Mark Eichler, who owns Colt Show Antiques & Hardwoods on the town square, reached out to us after noticing poor cellular coverage downtown. He wasn’t asking for anything extravagant. He simply wanted better connectivity for local businesses and the people visiting them.
We listened.
In 2025, United expanded free public Wi-Fi into downtown Petersburg, helping create a better experience for residents, visitors, and business owners alike. That project is a great example of what makes United different.
Sometimes, meaningful improvements can start with a simple conversation.
Built Together with Communities
Every downtown Wi-Fi project begins the same way. We sit down with community leaders, organizations, and municipal partners to understand what each community needs.
From there, our engineering team evaluates the area, identifies the best locations for wireless access points, and uses United’s fiber network to provide reliable coverage throughout the downtown district.
No two communities look exactly alike, and that’s exactly how we approach each project. We aren’t trying to install the same solution everywhere. We’re working alongside leaders to create something that fits the people who live, work, and gather there.
Connecting Homes, Businesses, & Communities Across Tennessee
At United Communications, we’ve always believed that reliable connectivity helps communities thrive. That mission doesn’t stop at the front door of your home or business. It extends to the places where neighbors gather, families make memories, and businesses welcome visitors every day.
For example, this summer we introduced Outdoor Wi-Fi, giving homeowners and businesses the same reliable coverage outside that they’ve come to expect indoors. It’s another example of how we’re continuing to invest in the way people actually use the internet today.
Want to learn more? Explore our free downtown Wi-Fi locations or learn how United’s new Outdoor Wi-Fi solutions can help keep your home or business connected inside and out.
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Author Bio:
Sam Montalvo
Residential Inside Sales Supervisor
Sam Montalvo brings over 15 years of experience in the telecommunications and television industry to his role at United Communications. After working for a large national provider, Sam joined United because he was drawn to its strong values and principles, which closely align with his own. He considers that decision the best career move he has ever made. In his current role. Sam helps lead the sales team and plays a vital part in solving problems to ensure every customer is satisfied. Originally from Michigan, he truly enjoys living and working in Middle Tennessee.
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