A coverage map of Maury County showing current and planned fiber broadband coverage. (United Communications)
FRANKLIN, Tenn. (July 10, 2024)—United Communications today announced that it has officially started signing up new fiber internet customers in Maury County as part of a multi-year, $24.4 million investment that will expand internet service to more than 6,500 locations, including homes, businesses, schools, and other important community institutions.
The announcement was shared during a groundbreaking event in Santa Fe, where United Communications celebrated the installation of a new infrastructure site alongside Duck River Electric Membership Corporation (DREMC) and local Maury County government officials, including Mayor Sheila Butt.
“Groundbreaking events usually mean that something big is coming to an area, and this one is no different,” said DREMC Interim President and CEO, Troy Crowell. “It is exciting to see Project UNITE continue connecting rural places in Middle Tennessee to high-speed internet service, and Duck River Electric is honored to be a part of supporting this effort in Maury County and in other communities that we serve.”
Through Project UNITE, an initiative to establish universal high-speed internet coverage in Middle Tennessee, United Communications and its parent company, Middle Tennessee Electric, secured $53.4 million in broadband infrastructure grants on behalf of six county governments through the Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund in late 2022.
The biggest share of grant funding was awarded to Maury County, which received $17 million. United Communications and the Maury County Commission committed to a combined $7.4 million in supplemental funding for a total investment of $24.4 million.
By mid-2025, United Communications will connect 4,000 unserved Maury County addresses to fiber broadband service through its grant-backed construction projects. The company also plans to connect an additional 2,500 homes in the county that currently have limited access to broadband providers but did not qualify for grant funding.
“It became very clear over the past three years that it was imperative for thousands of adults and students to have better communication options in our county,” Mayor Sheila Butt explained. “Duck River Electric, United Communications, the State of Tennessee, and Maury County have all stepped up to the plate together to make this happen!”
To ensure access to fiber internet service and avoid potential costly installation fees, Maury County residents should visit United’s website to sign up now and guarantee that fiber internet—the fastest and most reliable type of broadband connection available—is extended to their homes under this program.
“We’re committed to doing everything we can to help our neighbors get the fast, reliable internet service they need with the value they deserve,” said United Communications’ Chief Operating Officer and Maury County resident, Josh Lynch. “Folks who sign up now can take advantage of the grant to cover installation costs, making it especially beneficial for properties with long driveways and potentially expensive fiber runs. This is a great opportunity to save money not only on installation but also on monthly service costs, all while enjoying exceptional customer service.”
Tennesseans can save an average of $70 per month by switching to United Communications internet from satellite internet and enjoy more than twice the speed of 5G home internet connections.
Learn more about United Communications’ fiber broadband services for residential, business, and enterprise customers at United.net.
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About United Communications
United Communications is a leading provider of internet and phone services to enterprise-class businesses and residential customers in Middle Tennessee. United has been nationally and regionally recognized, including a 2024 Gold Stevie® Award by The 22nd American Business Awards®, 2024 and 2023 Best Places To Work from the Nashville Business Journal, 2023 Top 100 Fiber-To-The-Home Leader, a 2023 Torch Award from the BBB, and a Smart Rural Community Provider℠.
United operates more than 3,800 route miles of fiber covering portions of Bedford, Davidson, Franklin, Giles, Lincoln, Marshall, Maury, Moore, Rutherford, Williamson, and Wilson counties. United Communications is a service of Middle Tennessee Electric. To learn more, please visit united.net.
Media Contact
Chris Song