Broadband Expansion Update – June 2025 

TEBF Grant Progress 

We’re making steady progress bringing high-speed fiber internet to our rural areas through the TEBF grant. Here’s the latest: 

Phase 3 (9 Areas): 
Main fiber lines (to the pole) are complete. Here’s where installations to homes currently stand: 

• Areas 1, 2, 3: Installations complete 

• Area 4: 30% complete 

• Areas 5 & 6: 10% complete 

• Area 7 & 9: Not started 

• Area 8: 35% complete 

Phase 4 (5 Areas): 
Mainline fiber is complete in all areas except Area 1. Here’s where installations to homes currently stand: 

• Area 1: Not started 

• Area 2: Installations complete 

• Area 3: 50% complete 

• Areas 4 & 5: Not started 

⚡ Good news: We expect many remaining homes to be connected by the end of July. 

Phase 5 – Coming Soon! 
After recent approval from the State, we’ve added more roads—covering 150+ additional homes. Engineering work is now underway, and we’ll release a detailed map in the coming weeks. Stay tuned! 

BEAD Program Update 

The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program is a $42.45 billion nationwide effort to expand internet access. Tennessee received $813 million in funding. 

🛑 Recent Change: 
The federal government changed key rules last week, requiring all 50 states to restart the grant award process. 

What this means for Giles County and PES: 

• PES is no longer a finalist and must reapply. 

• The list of eligible homes will likely change. 

• A new coverage map is expected from the government Thursday June 26th. 

We’ll continue to push for funding and keep you updated. 

Questions? Reach out to us by phone or PES website. Thank you for your patience as we work hard to connect every home possible!